Michel Foucault - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | October 15, 1926 |
|---|---|
| Died | June 25, 1984 (age 57) |
| Birthplace | Poitiers, France |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Chinese Zodiac | Tiger |
| Generation | Greatest Generation |
| Known For | Revolutionary contributions to philosophy and critical theory, especially his analyses of power, knowledge, and social institutions; author of influential works including 'Madness and Civilization', 'Discipline and Punish', and 'The History of Sexuality'. |
Intro
Michel Foucault was a French philosopher, historian of ideas, social theorist, and literary critic. He is best known for his critical studies of various social institutions, such as psychiatry, medicine, the prison system, and for his profound analyses on the relationships between power and knowledge. Foucault's work has had a significant influence across the humanities and social sciences, particularly through his major works like 'Madness and Civilization,' 'Discipline and Punish,' and 'The History of Sexuality.' He held the Chair of the History of Systems of Thought at the prestigious Collège de France.
Early Life & Background
Michel Foucault was born in Poitiers, France, to a well-off family; his father was a prominent surgeon. Foucault attended the elite École Normale Supérieure, where he studied philosophy and psychology, and became associated with various French intellectual circles of his time.
Career Highlights
- Held the Chair of the History of Systems of Thought at the Collège de France from 1970 until his death [1][2].
- Authored highly influential books such as 'Madness and Civilization' (1961), 'The Birth of the Clinic' (1963), 'Discipline and Punish' (1975), and 'The History of Sexuality' (1976–1984) [1][2].
- Developed concepts of biopower, governmentality, and discourse analysis, which remain foundational in philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies [1][2].
Trivia
- Foucault was openly gay, which influenced both his personal life and aspects of his work [1][2].
- He died of complications from AIDS in Paris on June 25, 1984, one of the first public figures in France to be associated with the AIDS epidemic [1][2].
FAQs
People also ask
When was Michel Foucault born?
Michel Foucault was born the 15 October 1926.
Where is Michel Foucault from?
Poitiers, France.
On His Birth-Day
About October 15th, 1926, in brief:
- Historical events: Three significant individuals were born on this day: Michel Foucault, a renowned French philosopher in Poitiers (who would later become a pivotal figure in postmodern thought); Karl Richter, a distinguished German conductor; and Jean Peters, an American actress.
- Day of the week: October 15th, 1926 was a Friday
- Zodiac Sign: Libra (in western zodiac), Tiger (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: First Quarter
- #1 US song: Looking at the World Thro' Rose-Colored Glasses by Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians
- Popular movie: Mother directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin
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