I corresponded recently with a feminist friend with whom I agree on most political issues. I told her I am currently writing a book about child abuse and gender identity politics. In doing so I’m utilising many concepts provided by the late French philosopher Michele Foucault. “What I can’t understand,” my friend replied, “is why you can keep writing about this guy who was a vile paedophile … even if he may have had some good ideas.”
Superb as ever. There is so little understanding of Foucault. Thank you for explaining the actual errors of Foucault as well as debunking these falsely-claimed "errors".
I have read Heather for several years. I have yet to read of her account of the proof she states Foucault's defenders give. Her account here does not do so. He comes across as an account of "he said, he said." Doesn't this need to be more clearly presented by her? Frankly, I am sick of the man. Can't she find any other ways to express her ideas than through this man?
Apologies, Gilgamech for offending you. I just think women should come up with their own thoughts on gender without harkening back to a man who had no use for women, whether or not he was a pedophile, which I have no idea whether he was or not.
I think the jury's still out on this one and isn't coming back. Not that there should be any special merit in posthumous conviction and trial by Internet and social media, and obviously it is imperative to uphold the basic principle of a justice based society "innocent until proven guilty". However according to a Tunisian writer writing in Al Jazeera the rumours and allegations of Foucault's conduct in Tunisia are by no means based solely on Sorman's allegations. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/4/16/reckoning-with-foucaults-sexual-abuse-of-boys-in-tunisia
and presumably also pre-date his allegations. That is still not proof and we cannot just assume him guilty, but also it is a shade naive just to assume actual innocence squares with legal innocence in Foucault's case. The dilemma is much the same as that with the Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood who has been acquitted of the crime of attempted rape or rather the case has been dropped after he settled out of court with the plaintiff. Few believe him truly innocent however, and the football club won't have him back on the pitch at least until they have conducted their own investigation. They will probably reach some agreement to sell or offload him before that happens.
But yeah, in my perspective the reasonable suspicion against Foucault shouldn't detract from being able to read, discuss and evaluate his theory on it's own merit.
Superb as ever. There is so little understanding of Foucault. Thank you for explaining the actual errors of Foucault as well as debunking these falsely-claimed "errors".
I have read Heather for several years. I have yet to read of her account of the proof she states Foucault's defenders give. Her account here does not do so. He comes across as an account of "he said, he said." Doesn't this need to be more clearly presented by her? Frankly, I am sick of the man. Can't she find any other ways to express her ideas than through this man?
Apologies, Gilgamech for offending you. I just think women should come up with their own thoughts on gender without harkening back to a man who had no use for women, whether or not he was a pedophile, which I have no idea whether he was or not.
And as for stalking, I have never stalked anyone in my mind and it would never occur to me to do so. Good grief!
I think the jury's still out on this one and isn't coming back. Not that there should be any special merit in posthumous conviction and trial by Internet and social media, and obviously it is imperative to uphold the basic principle of a justice based society "innocent until proven guilty". However according to a Tunisian writer writing in Al Jazeera the rumours and allegations of Foucault's conduct in Tunisia are by no means based solely on Sorman's allegations. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/4/16/reckoning-with-foucaults-sexual-abuse-of-boys-in-tunisia
and presumably also pre-date his allegations. That is still not proof and we cannot just assume him guilty, but also it is a shade naive just to assume actual innocence squares with legal innocence in Foucault's case. The dilemma is much the same as that with the Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood who has been acquitted of the crime of attempted rape or rather the case has been dropped after he settled out of court with the plaintiff. Few believe him truly innocent however, and the football club won't have him back on the pitch at least until they have conducted their own investigation. They will probably reach some agreement to sell or offload him before that happens.
But yeah, in my perspective the reasonable suspicion against Foucault shouldn't detract from being able to read, discuss and evaluate his theory on it's own merit.
And further I have bought her books and read them.