qUCL ONLINE: Beyond The History of Sexuality: Michel Foucault’s philosophy of sexuality

With Simone Webb, UCL Centre for Multidisciplinary and Intercultural Inquiry

Foucault’s series of books addressing The History of Sexuality—three of which were published during his lifetime, and the fourth posthumously—are well known. Volume I, The Will to Knowledge, has been especially influential on understandings of sexual orientation as socially constructed, not a natural, pre-discursive feature of the self. However, Foucault also discussed sexuality and sexual orientation across a series of interviews, and his comments in these interviews are far less attended to. In this talk, I will draw out the central themes of Foucault’s comments to show that he has a coherent philosophy of sexuality that is vitally relevant to contemporary culture. This philosophy stresses sexuality as a creative activity: a becoming, rather than the adoption of an identity. I will draw particular attention to the relationship between homosexuality and philosophy that emerges for Foucault, and ask how Foucault can be useful in navigating current discussions about gender and sexuality.

All are welcome. The event will run on Zoom. The link and passcode will be provided on your confirmation email when you register. Register to attend at: https://qucl-foucault.eventbrite.co.uk

This event is organised by qUCL, which is part of the UCL Institute of Advanced Studies. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance on the day, and follow this FAQ link for more information and to read our virtual events code of conduct. All of our events are free, but you can support the IAS here.

Image credit: Nemomain, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons