Discipline and Punish

Discipline and Punish is a seminal work by French philosopher Michel Foucault, published in 1975. The book examines the development of modern penal systems and the shifting mechanisms of punishment from public executions to incarceration. Foucault explores the historical evolution of disciplinary practices and their impact on social control and individual behavior.

Why Read This Book

• Provides a critical analysis of the evolution of punishment and disciplinary systems.
• Explores the relationship between power, knowledge, and social control.
• Known for its innovative and influential approach to understanding societal institutions.
• Offers insights into the mechanisms of surveillance and discipline in modern society.
• A foundational text in the fields of sociology, criminology, and political theory.

About the Author

Michel Foucault was a French philosopher and social theorist known for his work on power, knowledge, and social institutions. His influential books, including The History of Sexuality and The Archaeology of Knowledge, explore the ways in which power and knowledge shape human behavior and societal structures. Foucault's ideas have had a profound impact on contemporary philosophy and social theory.