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It is not the activity of the subject of knowledge that…

“It is not the activity of the subject of knowledge that produces a corpus of knowledge, useful or resistant to power, but power-knowledge, the processes and struggles that transverse it and of which it is made up, that determines the forms and possible domains of knowledge.” quote by Michel Foucault
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““It is not the activity of the subject of knowledge that produces a corpus of knowledge, useful or resistant to power, but power-knowledge, the processes and struggles that transverse it and of which it is made up, that determines the forms and possible domains of knowledge.””

Michel Foucault

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Knowledge is shaped by power structures; what is accepted as truth reflects societal struggles and control.

In simple terms: Power influences what counts as knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Critically examine authority.

Themes

power knowledge social structures

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical theoretical

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • media analysis
  • policy making
  • education reform

Key Concepts

discursive formation hegemony

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does power affect what you learn?
  • Can knowledge be truly neutral?
A Different Perspective

Power can also empower marginalized voices.

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