Hi Nick, I was a student of yours back in 2013, and it's so nice to rediscover your lectures again after many years. I always enjoyed the friendly but informative way you examine anthropological concepts so adeptly. I couldn't help but think while watching this video how this particular subject has never been more relevant since that thing that happened to the world back in 2020. More recently, Mr. Dutton advocated for people to turn in their neighbours, friends, and loved ones if they show objection to policies of the Aus government for supposed fears they have become radicalised, ASIO upped our terror threat status to 'probable,' but essentially said that they can't protect us from an attack, and in the same week Bill Shorten was tasked with announcing our Govt's roll-out of digital ID's for our 'safety.' Surely all coincidental timing. I feel simultaneously that the State has never had more control over us without our consent, and at the same time, it's grip on control has never been so evidently tenuous. I wonder what Mr. Foucault would make of all of this, and for that matter, how you feel about it all? Proboably more of a face-to-face conversation though and not for this platform haha. All the best to you, and thanks for your videos. I'm loving being reacquainted with all of these topics again with more years behind me. Cheers
Hi, so nice to hear from a former student after all this time. It's really commendable that you're reacquainting yourself with these concepts. I'm trying to channel Monsieur Foucault and this is what I think he would say: "I don't know too much about these moves by Australian politicians. The moves certainly seem to increase the level of direct surveillance by the state (which resembles the panopticon) and inculcate a culture of surveillance among citizens (which does not resemble the panopticon, but may nevertheless be even more effective). However, what if I said that this system still would not provide perfect surveillance? In the perfect system of surveillance, we carry out surveillance on ourselves; we become docile subjects without need of external surveillance." That, I believe is what Foucault might say. But I guess, as a sociology professor who taught me once said, 'it depends on which Foucault you’re talking about'. The experts, like my professor, say that Foucault’s opinions changed over the years. Likewise, I think Foucault not only admitted to, but enthusiastically championed, the fact that his opinions changed. I’m looking for a great quotation in which he explains why his opinions change, but I can’t find it. So here's another good one: "The main interest in life and work is to become someone else that you were not in the beginning." Obviously, that's what you're trying to do by studying and that’s also keeps me interested in my academic life!
Niicholas, Is "legible" a term Foucault used? From what I know, it is linked to anthropolotgist James C. Scott, who is somewhat Foucaultian in his Seeing Like a State, but references Foucaullt sparingly. Also, are the examples you use - the houses in a row, etc - from Foucault, because I recall Sccott using those examples?
@@kevincurrie-knight3267 Hi Kevin thanks for your questions. I'm not sure how often the term "legible" comes up in Foucault; that's a good question. The examples I used are just for teaching purposes. I don't recall getting them directly from Foucault's, but indirectly through trying to understand what he was saying, and then applying it things I'm more familiar with.
Thanks for the video, and it's actually perfectly timed considering the changes to TH-cam policy regarding what videos can be monetized. Really great explanation, thanks again :)
I probably mentioned that it's also a thing of the past. You can find a tiny panopticon in the town of Fremantle in Western Australia. If we follow the argument to its logical end, prisons will be unnecessary in the future as we will all discipline ourselves!
Thanks Emil. FYI what I've presented is one anthropologist's perspective. Different scholars in different fields produce different perspectives of Foucault. So, though my perspective is merely one I really appreciate that it's clear for you.
Interesting, thank you. Regarding the panopticon part of your discussion, it seems to me that religion gives people a much greater sense of surveillance. God sees everything.
Im about to write an assignment focusing on the governmentality in Indonesia outlined around the country and sovereignty - not sure whether or not the form of governmentality of indonesia changed in 98 with the collapse of Suharto and the de-centralization, to a more positive or negative governmentality?
Hi Emil, Thanks for your interest in this topic. I recently presented reflections on research, as well as my well my own thoughts, regarding, governmentality in Southeast Asia. It might be useful: th-cam.com/video/wVBglhd_fIE/w-d-xo.html
Hi and thanks Stephani. I have bought several mid-priced microphones but struggle to get a reasonable audio. I might need to splurge on an expensive one.
Tell them to watch this presentation by Nicholas Herriman! Ha ha, just kidding. The main point is that we now discipline ourselves; we have an inner prison guard in our mind.
Hi Nicholas, part of my PhD is looking at the concept of lecture capture in universities, and why resistance is so prominent with academics..... What do you think Foucault would say about this?
I presume that if Foucault was doing the analysis, he would say that lecture capture is a form of surveillance. If I was doing the research, first I would have to wait and see what my research participants say. And I can foresee a couple of issues with adopting Foucault's approach. First, maybe my research participants say to me, "lecture capture is a form of surveillance". In this case, one problem with using Foucault might be what we call "read back". 'Read back' occurs when participants themselves are familiar with a social science theory and recite them back to me as a researcher. This makes my work as a researcher even more complicated as I need to then analyse how much Foucault has influenced their understanding etc etc. Second issue is maybe a research participant, call her Jane, says to me "I like lecture capture; it provides me with an opportunity to share the fruits of years I've spent learning". Now I, the anthropologist, might adopt a Foucauldian approach and write, "Jane thinks that she is sharing the fruits of her study, but actually what has happened is that her entire subjectivity is one that has been disciplined into naturalizing self-surveillance; it's a form of governmentality". But I'm not sure if by writing such an analysis of Jane I'm being too condescending and dismissive of Jane's own experience.
@@NicholasHerriman very interesting...... In the case of Jane, I guess there will need to be further analysis of the narrative to determine other factors that might help understand her altruistic approach to sharing the fruits of her study - but from a critical or Foucauldian perspective it's difficult to avoid the impact of governance. Regarding "read back", this is actually new to me and certainly a consideration regarding Foucault as a theoretical lens but I guess it applies to other examples, like the use of habitus etc. Whilst using Bourdieu. I guess studying academics from the social sciences convolutes the already convoluted interpretivist paradigm!
it would be even better if you could bridge the various sections together without making the connections properly you are introducing the concepts separately as if they were unrelated to one another
Yes, Foucault thinks that we've internalized that prison. Each of us lives as if we were in a panopticon, our actions potentially the object of surveillance from a guard tower.
Probably not according to Foucault. The rights we have are just a cover. Underneath it, we are all obedient, disciplined subjects. We might pride ourselves on being larrikins and rebels, but, if Foucault is right, we are kidding ourselves.
![Rick Roderick on Foucault - The Disappearance of the Human [full length]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hP79SfCfRzo/mqdefault.jpg)
![Rick Roderick on Foucault - The Disappearance of the Human [full length]](/img/tr.png)
Hi Nick, I was a student of yours back in 2013, and it's so nice to rediscover your lectures again after many years. I always enjoyed the friendly but informative way you examine anthropological concepts so adeptly.
I couldn't help but think while watching this video how this particular subject has never been more relevant since that thing that happened to the world back in 2020.
More recently, Mr. Dutton advocated for people to turn in their neighbours, friends, and loved ones if they show objection to policies of the Aus government for supposed fears they have become radicalised, ASIO upped our terror threat status to 'probable,' but essentially said that they can't protect us from an attack, and in the same week Bill Shorten was tasked with announcing our Govt's roll-out of digital ID's for our 'safety.' Surely all coincidental timing.
I feel simultaneously that the State has never had more control over us without our consent, and at the same time, it's grip on control has never been so evidently tenuous.
I wonder what Mr. Foucault would make of all of this, and for that matter, how you feel about it all?
Proboably more of a face-to-face conversation though and not for this platform haha.
All the best to you, and thanks for your videos. I'm loving being reacquainted with all of these topics again with more years behind me.
Cheers
Hi, so nice to hear from a former student after all this time. It's really commendable that you're reacquainting yourself with these concepts. I'm trying to channel Monsieur Foucault and this is what I think he would say: "I don't know too much about these moves by Australian politicians. The moves certainly seem to increase the level of direct surveillance by the state (which resembles the panopticon) and inculcate a culture of surveillance among citizens (which does not resemble the panopticon, but may nevertheless be even more effective). However, what if I said that this system still would not provide perfect surveillance? In the perfect system of surveillance, we carry out surveillance on ourselves; we become docile subjects without need of external surveillance." That, I believe is what Foucault might say. But I guess, as a sociology professor who taught me once said, 'it depends on which Foucault you’re talking about'. The experts, like my professor, say that Foucault’s opinions changed over the years. Likewise, I think Foucault not only admitted to, but enthusiastically championed, the fact that his opinions changed. I’m looking for a great quotation in which he explains why his opinions change, but I can’t find it. So here's another good one: "The main interest in life and work is to become someone else that you were not in the beginning." Obviously, that's what you're trying to do by studying and that’s also keeps me interested in my academic life!
Was struggling to understand the concept of governmentality, thanks for your informative and accessible presentation!
I have also blogged notes on governmentality here: notes-culture.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/foucault-governmentality.html
Niicholas,
Is "legible" a term Foucault used? From what I know, it is linked to anthropolotgist James C. Scott, who is somewhat Foucaultian in his Seeing Like a State, but references Foucaullt sparingly.
Also, are the examples you use - the houses in a row, etc - from Foucault, because I recall Sccott using those examples?
@@kevincurrie-knight3267 Hi Kevin thanks for your questions. I'm not sure how often the term "legible" comes up in Foucault; that's a good question. The examples I used are just for teaching purposes. I don't recall getting them directly from Foucault's, but indirectly through trying to understand what he was saying, and then applying it things I'm more familiar with.
Thank you so much for this. Great lecture. Good pace. Really good examples. Not too short or too long.
Thank you. It's difficult for us educators to get the balance right for all learners. I'm glad this worked for you.
thank you i was struggling to understand the Foucault reading for my political ethics class. This was so helpful.
I struggle with Foucault too!
thanks for taking the time to make this. you're a baller
Thanks Paul, it was a pleasure!
Hi pak Nick...nice to meet you again...warm regard
Hi Pak Ripto. Great to hear from you!
Terima kasih Pak. Penjelasanya mudah dipahami. Sangat membantu dalam mengerti pemikiran Foucault yang rumit.
Sama-sama Pak. Sungguh rumit pemikirannya Foucault. Susah payah pertama kali saya membaca beliau.
The best Foucault explanation video out there! Great work!
Very kind of you to say so, but nothing compares with reading Foucault.
Thanks for the video, and it's actually perfectly timed considering the changes to TH-cam policy regarding what videos can be monetized. Really great explanation, thanks again :)
I hope things don't get too out of hand. I always select not to monetize my videos and blogs. I don't want to make money out of them.
That image of the panopticon made me realize how it's used in movies for futuristic jails! Guardians of the Galaxy prison anyone?
I probably mentioned that it's also a thing of the past. You can find a tiny panopticon in the town of Fremantle in Western Australia. If we follow the argument to its logical end, prisons will be unnecessary in the future as we will all discipline ourselves!
@@NicholasHerriman We are creating a reverse panopticon? Where everyone wants to be on the tower but this time without the one-way glass?
Thank you so much - a nice clear perspective on governmentality
Thanks Emil. FYI what I've presented is one anthropologist's perspective. Different scholars in different fields produce different perspectives of Foucault. So, though my perspective is merely one I really appreciate that it's clear for you.
I like your governmentality examples
Interesting, thank you. Regarding the panopticon part of your discussion, it seems to me that religion gives people a much greater sense of surveillance. God sees everything.
Saved my life! Thank you!!!
My work is done!
awesome lecure .largely heplful to understand the concept.
Thanks, I'm glad to hear it.
thank you so much this is sooo good I have understood this better than what my lecturers taught me
Hi Jenny, sometimes it helps to get various different explanations. Some of my students might find your lecturers much more useful than they find me!
Im about to write an assignment focusing on the governmentality in Indonesia outlined around the country and sovereignty - not sure whether or not the form of governmentality of indonesia changed in 98 with the collapse of Suharto and the de-centralization, to a more positive or negative governmentality?
Hi Emil, Thanks for your interest in this topic. I recently presented reflections on research, as well as my well my own thoughts, regarding, governmentality in Southeast Asia. It might be useful: th-cam.com/video/wVBglhd_fIE/w-d-xo.html
This is such a good lecture. I wish the audio were a little better.
Hi and thanks Stephani. I have bought several mid-priced microphones but struggle to get a reasonable audio. I might need to splurge on an expensive one.
Very insightful. Thanks.
Thanks Om Kumar; credit goes to Foucault. Like his theory or not, it is among the original and influential philosophies of the last century.
so helpful. thank you so much. hope i can find the lecture on Agamben!
Here it is: th-cam.com/video/y3eeXg9RnlQ/w-d-xo.html
So what I'm I to say if I'm asked about the governmentality of Foucault ?
Tell them to watch this presentation by Nicholas Herriman! Ha ha, just kidding. The main point is that we now discipline ourselves; we have an inner prison guard in our mind.
Very insightful thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
excellent summary! thank you!
Thanks for the kind words.
Hi Nicholas, part of my PhD is looking at the concept of lecture capture in universities, and why resistance is so prominent with academics..... What do you think Foucault would say about this?
Thanks for the challenging question. I think it requires a long answer. Can I answer it in another Blog on Foucault that I'm working on?
@@NicholasHerriman of course, be really interesting to hear..... Feel free to personal message me about it
@@j007hazzard I was going to blog it, but it got too confusing! Anyway, what follows is what I have.
I presume that if Foucault was doing the analysis, he would say that lecture capture is a form of surveillance. If I was doing the research, first I would have to wait and see what my research participants say. And I can foresee a couple of issues with adopting Foucault's approach. First, maybe my research participants say to me, "lecture capture is a form of surveillance". In this case, one problem with using Foucault might be what we call "read back". 'Read back' occurs when participants themselves are familiar with a social science theory and recite them back to me as a researcher. This makes my work as a researcher even more complicated as I need to then analyse how much Foucault has influenced their understanding etc etc. Second issue is maybe a research participant, call her Jane, says to me "I like lecture capture; it provides me with an opportunity to share the fruits of years I've spent learning". Now I, the anthropologist, might adopt a Foucauldian approach and write, "Jane thinks that she is sharing the fruits of her study, but actually what has happened is that her entire subjectivity is one that has been disciplined into naturalizing self-surveillance; it's a form of governmentality". But I'm not sure if by writing such an analysis of Jane I'm being too condescending and dismissive of Jane's own experience.
@@NicholasHerriman very interesting...... In the case of Jane, I guess there will need to be further analysis of the narrative to determine other factors that might help understand her altruistic approach to sharing the fruits of her study - but from a critical or Foucauldian perspective it's difficult to avoid the impact of governance. Regarding "read back", this is actually new to me and certainly a consideration regarding Foucault as a theoretical lens but I guess it applies to other examples, like the use of habitus etc. Whilst using Bourdieu. I guess studying academics from the social sciences convolutes the already convoluted interpretivist paradigm!
SO HELPFUL.
Thanks!
Thanks for this! very helpful!
You're welcome.
it would be even better if you could bridge the various sections together
without making the connections properly you are introducing the concepts separately as if they were unrelated to one another
Good point. I'd encourage you to point out those relations in the comments here or in your own lecture. It'll help me understand Foucault too.
Thx for save my life! Asian uni teach like mislead about his concepts lol
Society is a prison
Yes, Foucault thinks that we've internalized that prison. Each of us lives as if we were in a panopticon, our actions potentially the object of surveillance from a guard tower.
Is this you being racist trying to pass it off as philosophy? I think you're blinded by your conditioning.
Pfff Australia is a nanny state. Is this freedom?
Probably not according to Foucault. The rights we have are just a cover. Underneath it, we are all obedient, disciplined subjects. We might pride ourselves on being larrikins and rebels, but, if Foucault is right, we are kidding ourselves.