Truth-telling, Caring and Governing: The Significance of Foucault’s Interpretation of Parrhesia to Governance

Abstract

The article is based on the proposition that the study of politics is a study and teaching of values. Political leadership should possess values and virtues important in the exercise of power and authority. The dynamics of power in the society should be analyzed in relation to values, social norms, and cultural standards. This proposition is articulated by exposing the ideas of Michel Foucault on the act of governing. Foucault gives emphasis on the governing of self which is the foundation of the governing of community, society, and state. He also espouses that the political virtues of truth-telling and caring as essential to the act of governing. The discussion of the following concepts are giving emphasis on this article in order to provide a clear understanding Foucault’s act of governing and its significance to governance: parrhesia, the dynamics of governing of self, as well as the symbiotic relationship between care of the self and truth-telling.
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