This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit overthinkpod.substack.com
It’s time for something new! In episode 152 of Overthink, Ellie and David take a deep dive into Michel Foucault’s The History of Sexuality, Volume 1. From the repressive hypothesis to the role of confession in producing the truth of sex, your hosts get into all of the juicy content of this seminal book. They also talk about the difference between “ars erotica” and “scientia sexualis,” two key concepts in Foucault’s treatment of sexuality. Why does Foucault reject the view that sexuality has been repressed? What is the function of power in sexuality? How does the desire for truth about oneself produce various discourses of sexuality? And, when all is said and done, are Foucault’s reflections on power in this work too homogenous? In the Substack bonus segment, your hosts discuss the pedagogization of children’s sexuality and Foucault’s problematic treatment of a historical case involving the sexual abuse of a minor.
Works Discussed:
Michel Foucault, The History of Sexuality Volume 1
Highlight: The Repressive Hypothesis
* Ellie and David make it clear: Foucault is against and dispels the myth that sexuality is repressed
* From the 18th to the 21st century, we’ve talked about sex all the time
* Sometimes, we indirectly discuss sex, e.g. sexual advertisements
* If you believe in the repressive hypothesis, you may be led to believe in the speaker’s benefit: anybody who speaks about sexuality is subversive and a radical
* Instead of asking why are we repressed, Foucault asks why do we say that we are repressed?
* Ellie and David discuss much more about the repressive hypothesis in the episode, so this is just skimming the surface, but please do tell us about your thoughts!!
