Description
Book SynopsisMichel Foucault and Paul Veyne: the philosopher and the historian. Two major figures in the world of ideas, resisting all attempts at categorization. Two timeless thinkers who have long walked and fought together. In this short book Paul Veyne offers a fresh portrait of his friend and relaunches the debate about his ideas and legacy.
Trade Review"Paul Veyne's quirky and involving book is an idiosyncratic and personal tribute, which is obviously, and movingly, deeply felt."
The Philosophers' Magazine "Foucault is well- known as one of the most influential thinkers of the twentieth century. Writing from his profound knowledge of the man, Paul Veyne here vividly brings out his character and personality."
Geoffrey Lloyd, University of Cambridge
"It is fascinating to follow Paul Veyne’s engagement with Foucault: he was extremely close to Foucault, as the celebrated history of sexuality developed as a project, and this essay, which mixes reminiscences with argument and reflection, captures a real flavour of the intellectual excitement of those times."
Simon Goldhill, University of Cambridge
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1
1 In Universal History, Everything is Singular: ‘Discourse’ 5
2 There is No ‘a priori’ that is Not Historical 22
3 Foucault’s Scepticism 37
4 Archaeology 54
5 Universalism, Universals, Epigenesis: The Beginnings of Christianity 59
6 Notwithstanding Heidegger, Man is an Intelligent Animal 66
7 The Physical and Human Sciences: Foucault’s Programme 77
8 A Sociological History of Truths: Knowledge, Power, the Set-up 92
9 Was Foucault a Corrupter of the Young? Was He the Despair of the Workers’ Movement? 111
10 Foucault and Politics 125
11 Portrait of a Samurai 135
Notes 147
Index 187
