From: jcharles-AT-computer.org
Date: Thu, 03 Aug 95 13:16:58 est
Subject: question on Foucault & Power discussion


     Reg Lilly wrote:
     
     "[Foucault] therefore also implies that all the concepts descriptive 
     of power's functioning were also univocal. However, what happens if 
     the symmetry between power and "target(s)" or effects is seen to be 
     asymmetrical?  What if the economy of power is not closed but admits 
     of excess, pointless expenditure, etc?  What happens if, rather than 
     seeing power as that for which there is no exteriority (viz. 
     "resistance is never in a position of exteriority in relation to 
     power" 95), one conceives power qua intelligibility as itself 
     conditioned and conditional in every instance."
     
     These are very interesting points, but could you unpack a few of them 
     a little further? In particular, while I understand your point about 
     the problems inherent in any mystical, transcendental, catch-all 
     meta-term, what do you have in mind when you refer to the asymmetries 
     of power and "targets?" Can you give me an illustrative "concrete" 
     example of excess or pointless expenditure?
     
     jc
     Los Alamitos, CA, 2800 miles from where I should be


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