Madness And Civilization by Michel Foucault
A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason
The book is a profound and critical exploration of the history of the treatment of the mentally ill in Western society, tracing the shifting boundaries between madness and sanity from the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. The author argues that the way people with mental illness were treated was a reflection of the cultural, social, and intellectual mores of the time. He examines the evolution of institutions such as asylums and the role of medical and philosophical discourse in defining and managing madness, suggesting that the treatment of the mentally ill has often been a way of exerting social control rather than a genuine effort to help those suffering. The work challenges readers to reconsider the relationship between reason, unreason, and the structures of power and knowledge.
The 7034th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1961
- Nationality
- French
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 282-320
- Original Language
- French
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.8)
- Alternate Titles
-
- Histoire de la folie à l'âge classique
- History of Madness
- Madness and Civilization
- Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason
- Wahnsinn Und Gesellschaft. Eine Geschichte Des Wahns Im Zeitalter Der Vernunft
If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here
This book is on the following 1 lists:
- The Hundred Most Influential Books Since The War (WW2) (Central and East European Publishing Project)