Madness and Civilization – Summary

Uncovering History Through “Madness and Civilization”

Michel Foucault’s Madness and Civilization traces how Western society has redefined and responded to mental illness throughout history. The book uncovers a complex evolution—from early views that saw madness as part of the human condition, to later efforts to control and isolate those who behaved outside accepted norms.

Foucault argues that mental illness has never been treated as a purely medical condition. Instead, cultural values and power structures have shaped how societies label and deal with psychological differences. This work encourages readers to question who has the authority to define what is “normal.”

Shifting Views of Mental Illness in “Madness and Civilization”

Foucault begins with the Renaissance, a time when people with unusual thoughts or behaviors were sometimes seen as gifted or inspired. However, this view changed during the Enlightenment. Society began to confine individuals with behaviors considered disturbing, unpredictable, or outside the bounds of reason.

This period saw the rise of institutions meant to “treat” mental illness. In reality, these places often served to remove individuals from public life. Foucault emphasizes that the goal wasn’t healing—it was separation and control.

Power, Knowledge, and Control in “Madness and Civilization”

A core theme in the book is the connection between knowledge and power. Those who define mental illness—such as doctors, lawmakers, and scholars—gain authority over those they diagnose. Foucault shows how language, institutions, and laws have reinforced social norms.

He challenges readers to see mental health through a historical lens. By doing so, we better understand how much our views are shaped by culture, not just science. The book pushes us to think critically about freedom, difference, and the systems that manage them.

Isbn:9780679721109 

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