Ashby, David (1992) The limitations of dispersive freedom : Michel Foucault and historiography. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

In this thesis I argue that Foucault's dispersive historiography is a
deepening rather than a purifying of historical existence. This emphasis
upon dispersion as a critical principle is contrasted with, and delimited by
the possibility of the narrative comprehension of historical existence
exemplified by the hermeneutics of Paul Ricoeur. Insofar as the
responsibility to act is an important field where tfphis deepening takes
place it cannot be subordinated to the responsibility to otherness which
aims at dismantling the action orientated frameworks of traditional ethics
and politics. Ricoeur's promotion of narrative refiguration as a response to
the aporias of time is thus, a timely rejoinder to dispersive genealogy. I
argue further that Foucault's historiography exhibits the productive tension
of history as both difference and meaning and that the ethical thrust of
such writing is to address the concerns of the present in a way that
metamorphosizes rather than challenges the narrative function. Insofar as it
connects with the struggles of disenfranchised and marginalized groups,
and discourses, it also echoes a powerful element In traditional
emancipatory historiography which attempts to fully embrace the
slaughtered possibilities of the past
The emancipatory potential of dispersive historiography is examined further
by comparison with the aims and values of traditional critical theory. Two
positions are delineated: (1) Complementarity, in which genealogy produces
valuable insights into hitherto unacknowledged power structures; (2)
Delimitation, in which Foucault's work is seen to be an important limitation
on the epistemological and ontological interventions of critical theory. This
JOIns the philosophical hermeneutical critique of critical theory In its
delimitation of the finite horizon of all emancipatory discourse.
Finally I argue that Foucault's work is itself limited by its refusal to
countenance the utopian dimension of social reproduction in which the
social imaginary is to be considered not as a delusory projection of desire,
but as a driving force behind the projection of freedom. Dispersive freedom
sees the formation of political, cultural, and social identities as always
constraints upon the real practice of freedom. It is this marginalisation of
liberation as a process with ends that I seek to dispute. I conclude that
Foucault's dispersive principles are belied by the important contribution his
work has made to the necessarily ceaseless task of the refiguration of the
concepts of history, freedom, power and truth.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) D History General and Old World > D History (General)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 -- Criticism and interpretation, Historiography
Official Date:	September 1992
Dates:	Date Event September 1992 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Philosophy
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Wood, David, 1946-
Sponsors:	British Academy
Extent:	iv, 340 p.
Language:	eng

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