The Order of Things by Michel Foucault explores the historical development of the human sciences, focusing on the shift from the Classical episteme of the 17th and 18th centuries to the 19th-century episteme. Foucault examines changes in the frameworks that Western societies used to validate knowledge and truth, analyzing fields such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology. He investigates how these transitions have influenced the ways in which contemporary human sciences operate, challenging the traditional notion of historical progress. Through this archaeological methodology, Foucault underscores the concept that shifts in knowledge production stem from changes in epistemes rather than from a linear advancement in human understanding.

The Order of Things by Michel Foucault offers a profound exploration of human sciences, praised for its intellectual depth and innovative approach to epistemology. Reviews highlight its complexity, requiring diligent study, which can be challenging for some readers. Overall, it's a pivotal text in understanding shifts in knowledge paradigms.

Readers who enjoy The Order of Things by Michel Foucault typically have an interest in philosophy, intellectual history, and social sciences. Comparable to fans of Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions and Edward Said's Orientalism, they appreciate deep analytical discourse on the evolution of ideas and systems of thought.

Informative / Mysterious / Challenging / Contemplative / Unnerving

Michel Foucault

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Order of Things reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Order of Things | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Order of Things and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Order of Things Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Order of Things Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1

Chapter 1 The Order of Things Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2 The Order of Things Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3 The Order of Things Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 The Order of Things Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 The Order of Things Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6 The Order of Things Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2

Chapter 7 The Order of Things Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 8 The Order of Things Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 9 The Order of Things Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 10 The Order of Things Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

The Order of Things Key Figures

theme

Themes

The Order of Things Themes

Index of Terms

The Order of Things Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

The Order of Things Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Order of Things Essay Topics

The Order of Things: An Archaeology of the Human Sciences

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Order of Things?

Reading Age

Book Details