WRITING THE SELF: ETHICAL SELF-FORMATION AND THE UNDEFINED WORK OF FREEDOM

摘要

In this essay, John Ambrosio examines the role of ascetic writing practices in Michel Foucault's conception of ethical self-formation. Ambrosio argues for an interpretation of Foucault's later writings as representative of both an extension, and a dramatic break, from his previous writings — from demolishing the subject to embracing the notion of an autonomous and reflexive subject. Ambrosio further contends that Foucault's notion of ethical self-formation cannot be divorced from his genealogical method, and that his primary preoccupation near the end of his life was to counterbalance his strong notion of a disciplinary society with the recognition of a subject able to make ethical choices and thus to transform itself. Finally, Ambrosio examines the implications of this for educators and argues that Foucault's conception of ethical self-formation through ascetic writing practices provides a powerful tool for teachers who seek to improve and transform their pedagogy.