Foucault, the Present and History

Abstract

oucault's historical work initiates a thematic of discontinuity.' That much is well known. What is less well recognized is that his work also implies a discontinuity in present social formation, a discontinuity that resituates historian's relation to past, that suggests a theoretical reorientation of historical discipline, and that calls for a reexamination of appropriate topics of historical investigation. Foucault's work enacts this second type of discontinuity, without fully recognizing and conceptualizing its contours and significance. The topics Foucault investigates exemplify a restructuring of historical priorities. Insanity, language, medicine, punishment, sexuality-these have been marginal topics for historians. By placing them at center of historical stage Foucault reverses fundamental theoretical assumptions of discipline, a reversal that derives its power not only from strength of Foucault's texts but also from a large-scale social transformation of second half of twentieth century, one that has led to what I call the mode of information. My essay will explore this theme and assess its value for historical discipline.