Genealogical Criticism of Power and Rationalities

Abstract

Perhaps the most striking difference between Foucauldian genealogy and research programs in the sociology of science is that genealogy does not confine itself to descriptions and explanations of power and interest structures in science. Rather, genealogy takes up a critical posture towards the power of science in modern society. To analyse this posture in a separate chapter seems imperative for two reasons. On the one hand, it allows us to see genealogical methodology at work, and illustrates the critical accumen of genealogical relativism. On the other hand, the overwhelming majority of critics of genealogy have concentrated their attention on the critical posture of genealogy. To answer their criticism will, I hope, turn the focus of debate over genealogy away from this topic, and towards the issues dealt with in previous chapters.