Care of the Self and Self-knowledge in Hermeneutics of the Subject of Michel Foucault

An Alternative Reading from Lev Shestov’s Theoretical Proposal

Abstract

In this article we propose a critical analysis of Hermeneutics of the Subject, a work by Michel Foucault (1926-1984), in which he analyzes the notions of gnothi seauton (“know thyself”) and epimeleia heautou (“care of the self”). We propose that the relationships be­tween the indicated concepts always show a primacy of an irreducible and invariant element: self-knowledge. Our aim is to use some con­tributions of Russian philosopher Lev Shestov (1866-1938) in order to develop an alternative reading of the theoretical program of Foucault. Shestov’s concept of “love of reason” will allow us to argue that self-knowledge is what de­termines the proliferation of “care of the self” practices. In this way, this work is part of the scholar studies on the theoretical program of Michel Foucault, from a critical study of one of his most widespread works.