Preliminary communication

Parrhesia: Michel Foucault and Theology in Dialogue

Ivica Raguž orcid.org/0000-0002-0083-0325

Abstract

This article presents a theological engagement with the concept parrhesia in the work of the French philosopher Michel Foucault. In particular, it examines the account of parrhesia in Greek philosophy that Foucault presents in his last lectures at the Collège de France (1983/1984). Our main focus, then, is not on Foucalt’s philosophy in general, but on his insights into the Greek philosophical understanding of parrhesia insofar as they are relevant to its theological construal. In pursuing this goal, we hope to help fill a double lacuna: Catholic theology has yet to receive Foucault’s late thought, including his analysis of parrhesia, while Croatian philosophy, though it has dealt with Foucault’s philosophy, has not yet investigated his lectures on parrhesia. The first part of the article presents Foucault’s account of parrhesia, but also critiques it, especially his remarks about the difference between the philosophical and the Christian understanding of the term. The second part then offers a systematic theological reflection on parrhesia. It indicates the singularity of Christian parrhesia with respect to its philosophical counterpart. It also highlights some important aspects of Christian parrhesia and underscores its importance for Christian testimony today.

Keywords

parrhesia; Michel Foucault; truth-telling; truth; freedom; faith; church

Hrčak ID:

106394

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/106394

Publication date:

19.7.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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