Michel foucault and the history of the present

Abstract

In this paper, the author approaches the issue of method as seen in the research of Michel Foucault, who creates a history of the present, articulates archeology with genealogy and develops a set of tools for his genealogical research. This paper discusses two of those tools: the dispositif and the focus of experience. The author concludes that: (1) the concept of dispositif, which includes discursive and non-discursive practices, is a powerful tool for the genealogist who writes the history of the present; (2) every dispositif has a strategic role, and (3) the concept of focus of experience makes it possible to analyze the problems of knowledge/truth, power and subjectivation in the various areas of problematization.