In chapter four of Joe Moran’s educational book interdisciplinary there is a section titled “Knowledge and Power”. It explores Michel Foucault’s work in a field that can be accurately termed “the history of systems of thought”.
Foucault was a French historian of ideas who lived from 1926-1984. His work focused on the relationship between knowledge and power and how it is used in society as a means of control.
An example is given by Foucault relates to education. He writes that society structures education through a hierarchy of knowledge and power between teachers and students. Additionally, there are time constraints for projects and exams. A combination of time constraints and hierarchy of knowledge and power creates a system where it is possible to qualify, classify, and punish.
Bechdel’s father in Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel can be viewed as a character who used knowledge and power as a means of control. He used his knowledge as an artificer to restore his home so well that no one would notice he was using his power as a teacher and community intellectual to seduce teen boys.
Lauren Slater’s adult friend Christopher certainly used his knowledge and power to start a sexual relationship with the 17-year-old girl in her impish metaphorical memoir Lying.
What do you think about characters who use knowledge and power as a way to control the world around them? Is knowledge and power the best way to control society?
Knowledge and power are definitely important for a leader in society as both are needed to make an effective leader, but with knowledge and power also comes responsibility, and a leader always has the responsibility to look out for those he/she leads, to give them what they need. Knowledge and power should be used for the good of others as well as self, and sometimes should even lead to sacrifice if that should benefit the situation. (For example, teachers sacrifice a large amount of their time and energy teaching in the classroom to pass on knowledge to younger generations.) Control is not bad if it is for a good cause (comes from a motive to benefit others). (A teacher must have control in the classroom to teach effectively.)