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It seems to me that the real political task in a society…

“It seems to me that the real political task in a society such as ours is to criticise the workings of institutions, which appear to be both neutral and independent; to criticise and attack them in such a manner that the political violence which has always exercised itself obscurely through them…” quote by Michel Foucault
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“It seems to me that the real political task in a society such as ours is to criticise the workings of institutions, which appear to be both neutral and independent; to criticise and attack them in such a manner that the political violence which has always exercised itself obscurely through them will be unmasked, so that one can fight against them.”

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.

The quote calls for exposing the hidden political violence within supposedly neutral institutions, urging critical attack to reveal and combat their power.

In simple terms: Expose hidden institutional violence.

Key Takeaway

Critically examine institutional power.

Themes

politics institution critique

Mood

critical urgent

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • activism
  • media literacy

Key Concepts

philosophy political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we safely challenge power?
  • What signs reveal hidden bias?
A Different Perspective

Institutions may resist scrutiny.

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