Foucault and the prohibitionist device: subjectivations in focus

Abstract

This article aims to analyze, in light of Foucault’s philosophy, some of the knowledge, powers and, mainly, subjective forms related to prohibitionism. To this end, some fundamental assumptions for Michel Foucault’s analytical method are presented based on the thinker’s three theoretical-investigative phases (archeology, genealogy e ethics). Next, the concept-tool of dispositif serves as an analytical instrument for understanding how - through discourses, institutions, norms, laws and practices - a set of truths and facts are produced that construct the naturalization and legitimization of the war on drugs. Finally, some nuances of the processes of production of subjectivities that stem from prohibitionist logic are discussed based on the consideration of how the creation of a subjective norm is fundamental to the support and viability of regimes of truth and corresponding powers. The conclusion points to the relevance of thinking about the policies of subjectivation and the subjectivities produced not only as effects of knowledge-power relations, but also as constitutive of the prohibitionist reality.