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One can say that the author is an ideological product…

“One can say that the author is an ideological product, since we represent him as the opposite of his historically real function. (When a historically given function is represented in a figure that inverts it, one has an ideological production.) The author is therefore the ideological figure by…” quote by Michel Foucault
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“One can say that the author is an ideological product, since we represent him as the opposite of his historically real function. (When a historically given function is represented in a figure that inverts it, one has an ideological production.) The author is therefore the ideological figure by which one marks the manner in which we fear the proliferation of meaning.”

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 author functions as an ideological construct, representing the opposite of their historical role, highlighting how meaning is shaped by fear of its spread.

In simple terms: Authors can become symbols that invert their original purpose, showing how meaning is controlled.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the power of ideological framing.

Themes

philosophy power meaning ideology

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

theoretical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic analysis
  • media criticism
  • political discourse

Key Concepts

critical theory representation symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this inversion reveal about power?
  • How does fear shape meaning?
A Different Perspective

Ideological framing can obscure original intent.

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