Foucault's Definition ofParrhêsia and Its Relation to Rhêtorikê

Abstract

In this article, Foucault's approach to the concept of parrh & ecirc;sia will be examined, highlighting that this concept actually possesses a dual aspect like rh & ecirc;torik & ecirc; and can be used both positively and negatively, and sometimes can even resemble rh & ecirc;torik & ecirc;. Therefore, parrh & ecirc;sia can also be seen as a part of rh & ecirc;torik & ecirc;. Foucault, in some of the sources supporting his thoughts on parrh & ecirc;sia, overlooked the connection of this concept with rh & ecirc;torik & ecirc;, and even omitted discussing the thoughts of who established this connection. In this article, Foucault's explanation of parrh & ecirc;sia will be analysed and it will be argued that, contrary to his approach, parrh & ecirc;sia is not in direct opposition to rh & ecirc;torik & ecirc;, and that this duality in rh & ecirc;torik & ecirc; can also be seen in parrh & ecirc;sia depending on the way it is used. By drawing attention to the characteristics that Foucault doesn't mention for parrh & ecirc;sia, it will be discussed why he needs such a distinction.