Michel Foucault

Michel Foucault (1926-1984) was a French philosopher and social theorist best known for his critical studies of various social institutions. His seminal work, "Discipline and Punish" (1975), explores the development of the modern penal system and how societal power structures shape human behavior. In "The History of Sexuality" series, Foucault examined the relationship between power and sexuality, revolutionizing the field of gender studies. Foucault held a professorship at the Collège de France, where he taught the history of systems of thought. His concept of biopower, introduced in his lectures, highlighted how modern states regulate their citizens through an intricate web of regulatory controls. Foucault died in Paris in 1984, leaving behind a profound influence on contemporary philosophy and social theory.