Suggested essay questions
Does Foucault believe in an unchanging concept of madness?
To what extent does Foucault allow the mad to speak in Madness and Civilization?
Why does Foucault choose to begin Madness and Civilization with the image of the Ship of Fools?
Analyze the role of economic and social factors in Foucault's discussion of madness.
How well do you think Foucault succeeds in writing an accurate history of madness?
What is new and what is old about Foucault's approach to the history of madness?
Examine Foucault's treatment of the theme of madness and art.
Discuss Foucault's analysis of Descartes' Cogito in Madness and Civilization.
Discuss the idea that one of the most interesting things about Foucault is his sources.
