"Madness and Civilization" by Michel Foucault explores the evolving perception of madness in European society from the Renaissance to the modern era. Foucault argues that the treatment of the mad has shifted over time, not because of scientific understanding, but due to changes in cultural attitudes and power structures. Initially, the mad were integrated into society. However, as time passed, they were increasingly isolated, confined in institutions, and subjected to moral judgments about their sanity. Foucault suggests that modern society uses the concept of madness to exert control, defining normality by marginalizing those deemed insane. This book challenges our views on mental illness, questioning the boundaries between sanity and madness, and criticizes the role of psychiatric institutions. It's a thought-provoking journey into the dark corners of history and psychology, urging us to rethink how we define and treat those who experience the world differently.
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