What do philosophers do?For the French philosopher and historian Pierre Hadot , philosophy is an exercise.Philosophers exercise themselves.They exercise for the transformation of their souls in pursuit of beatitude, wisdom, and peace.Hadot developed this understanding through a comprehensive approach to ancient philosophy that pays attention to the philosophical practices of authors like Plato,...
This essay argues that what makes Michel Foucault’s oeuvre not only stand apart but also cohere is an assiduous philosophical practice taking the form of an ongoing yet concrete self-modification in the medium of thought. Part I gives an account of three essential aspects of Foucault’s conception of philosophical activity. Beginning with his famous characterization of philosophy in terms of...