TL;DR
Liz Truss is viewed by critics as weaponizing an intellectual critique of Michel Foucault against progressive ideology.
Key Points
The former Prime Minister's association of Foucault with progressive ideology was highlighted during her time as a senior government figure in 2020.
Her commentary has been interpreted as an attempt to launch a culture war against perceived postmodernist academic influence on policy.
Commentators questioned the extent of her direct knowledge of the philosopher's works versus using his name as a political symbol.
Summary
Liz Truss’s position concerning the philosopher Michel Foucault is less a direct engagement with his work and more a strategic invocation of him as a cultural and political antagonist. She has been characterized as framing Foucault's ideas, particularly around power and knowledge, as representing a form of ideological extremism that underpins contemporary progressive thought and equality policies. This framing often presents Foucault as the intellectual architect of what she views as damaging postmodernist or 'woke' concepts she seeks to challenge in government.
This alignment of Foucault with policies Truss seeks to reverse or reform, such as those relating to gender identity or institutional power structures, suggests a calculated move to rally conservative support. Her critique is often linked to her broader focus on undermining what she perceives as an overreaching bureaucratic and academic consensus. The references function primarily as a political shorthand, signifying an enemy ideology rather than a deep scholarly disagreement, causing debate over her actual familiarity with his complex theories.
Key Quotes
“While we were taught about racism and sexism, there was too little time spent making sure everyone could read and write.”
“These ideas have their roots in postmodernist philosophy – pioneered by Foucault – that put societal power structures and labels ahead of individuals and their endeavours.”
“In this school of thought, there is no space for evidence, as there is no objective view – truth and morality are all relative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Liz Truss's position is largely oppositional, viewing the philosopher's ideas as being foundational to progressive ideologies she campaigns against. She has frequently used his name as shorthand for what she considers to be damaging postmodernist thinking in British institutions. This suggests a political stance rather than a deeply considered academic critique.
The available information does not strongly suggest a significant evolution in her stance regarding Foucault since his name became a frequent point of commentary. Her critiques tend to remain consistent, framing him as an ideological opponent aligned with current equality debates. She has not indicated a shift in this framing.
The former minister often linked Foucault to radical ideas regarding power structures, particularly those she associates with aspects of contemporary equality debates. She invoked him as an example of challenging, anti-establishment thought that she perceived as having been co-opted by the modern Left. Her statements usually positioned him as a figure whose influence needed to be curtailed.
Sources10
Liz Truss and Foucault: the rightwing zombie of postmodernism
Liz Truss doesn’t know about Foucault, but she also doesn’t care
Analysis: Liz Truss on Foucault - BBC Radio 4's The Media Show
Liz Truss: The minister who wants to take on equality bureaucracy
Why have Liz Truss and MC Hammer been reading Michel Foucault?
Get to Fouc: The real reason Tories like Liz Truss obsess over lefty philosophy
Liz Truss's campaign to redefine our understanding of equality
Facebook Post by KMFLETT
Liz Truss launches culture war on equalities via Foucault
Do not ask me who I am
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.