Foucault on the care of the self as an ethical project and a spiritual goal

Richard White

pp. 489-504

in: Human Studies 37 (4), 2014.

Abstract

In this paper, I examine Foucault's ideas concerning the care of the self. What exactly is this ideal that Foucault describes in his last two books? Do these books represent a break or a continuation with the earlier writings on knowledge and power? Most important, I consider whether the care of the self could ever be a significant ethical ideal given some of the objections that have been raised against Foucault's position. I also look at the care of the self as the focus of Foucault's own views on spiritual life. I argue that Foucault's later work offers the basis for a secular or non-theistic spirituality which is especially relevant today.