Abstract
Michel Foucault’s exploration of discourse and the concept of power/knowledge fundamentally challenges traditional epistemological views by demonstrating how knowledge is inextricably linked with power. Foucault’s theory posits that knowledge is not a neutral or objective reflection of reality but is shaped by discursive practices and power relations. Discourse, according to Foucault, encompasses the systems of knowledge and language that structure how we understand and communicate about the world. It defines what is considered true or false, normal or abnormal, within a specific historical and social context. His analysis reveals that knowledge production is deeply embedded in power dynamics, and thus, what we accept as truth is often a result of underlying power structures rather than purely empirical evidence or rationality. In contrast, traditional epistemology emphasizes the objectivity and neutrality of knowledge, assuming that it can be discovered through reason and empirical methods independent of social influences. Foucault critiques this view by arguing that knowledge is inherently bound to social institutions and power relations. His work illustrates how institutions such as schools, hospitals, and legal systems produce and maintain specific forms of knowledge that serve to regulate and control individuals. By applying his concepts of discourse and power/knowledge, Foucault encourages a re-evaluation of how knowledge is validated and its role in sustaining societal norms and power structures. This perspective challenges conventional assumptions and highlights the complex interplay between knowledge, power, and social control. It is the aim of this work, to expose Foucault’s notion of Discourse and its implications for epistemology.