"There are at least two reasons why this is an invaluable book. First, these lectures occurred late in his career (he died in 1984), and the reader is privy to a summation of the most important themes that tied together all of his life’s work, especially the themes of truth and power. Second, his lectures are much clearer to follow than his books, making them an excellent complement to his written work. The inclusion of the question-and-answer sessions not only helps clarify content in the lectures, but demonstrates just how deeply he read ancient texts. A valuable addition not only to Foucault’s thought and critical theory, but also to scholars of philosophy who might otherwise ignore Foucault’s writings. . . . Summing Up: Essential." 

CHOICE

“‘Who is able to tell the truth? About what topic is it important to tell the truth? What are the relations between this activity of telling the truth and exercising power?’ These are the questions that Foucault brilliantly addresses in these formative lectures. Today, when the questions of truth and truth-telling could not be more urgent, this compendium is an indispensable resource, tracing the problems back to the fifth century BCE and recovering the birth of the very notion of the truth-teller. These lectures are unique in offering a concentrated and sharp presentation of Foucault’s history of truth-telling. Expertly edited in English by Nancy Luxon, with a brilliant critical apparatus prepared by Henri-Paul Fruchaud and Daniele Lorenzini, this volume is a necessary companion to Foucault’s final lectures.”

Bernard E. Harcourt, editor of Michel Foucault, The Punitive Society

“A meticulously curated and definitive edition of Foucault’s Grenoble lecture and of his legendary Berkeley seminars on the courageous practice of free speech, ‘Discourse and Truth’ provides an intimate, often moving glimpse into Foucault’s thought and person at the end of his extraordinary career. Rounding out his writings on the culture of the self in antiquity, and containing his most sustained reflections on the Cynics, the book in fact offers an unexpected genealogy of critique—of the ‘critical attitude’ and the critical bios, or form of life—in the spheres of ethics, politics, and culture, thereby mapping out a tradition that stretches from Greece and Rome to Kant and Nietzsche. The work will be seminal for generations to come. But its lessons could not be more timely, more inspiring, or more urgently needed than at our present moment.”

James Porter, University of California, Berkeley

“Parrēsia was Foucault’s last great topic and marks one of his most vital contributions to contemporary philosophical thought. This definitive critical edition of Foucault’s lectures at Grenoble and Berkeley provides an essential guide to the development of his thinking on parrēsia that will be required reading not only for Foucault scholars but for any philosopher concerned with the relationship of ethics, truth, and power. Fruchaud and Lorenzini, ably supported for this English edition by Nancy Luxon, are owed a debt of gratitude for this superb accomplishment.”

David Owen, co-author of Prospects for Citizenship

"Foucault's lectures, interviews, and occasional pieces have long been recognized by Foucault scholars to be especially valuable in their clarity and value as supplements to Foucault's major works. . . .This is an important book for Foucault studies, and, given Foucault's influence, more broadly, for the academy."

Miguel de Beistegui, University of Warwick