O poder pastoral em Michel Foucault: o paradoxo do governo e cuidado da vida humana

Abstract

Pastoral power is the power of governing human life which, in its origin, is paradoxical, as it cares for the individuals at the same time that governs their conduct. The method of this research is archeological and genealogical: A critical analisis of pastoral knowledge and the technics of pastoral power which constitute the subject. The purpose of this dissertation is to critically analyze the power of pastoral, from its pre-Christian origin to its formation and institution in Christianity. In the pre-Christian East, pastoral power was a way of governing others based on the idea that the pastor cares for the needs of the flock and each sheep, while leading everyone to an end of government, the subsistence on Earth. In early Christianity, Christian monasticism, and medieval Christianity, pastoral power was the art of governing behavior based on some principles. Firstly, by leading each and every one to a governmental objective, the salvation of the soul in another world. Secondly, by binding the individuals to a truth of government, the sinful being, making them recognize themselves as sinners, by means of the self-confession technique, in order to obtain the promised purpose. Thirdly, by knowing the individuals to be led, to make them obedient through the technique of consciousness direction, exercised by the examination of conscience and by confession of oneself to another. Fourthly, by establishing a hierarchical division between those who govern and those who are governed, through the difference between clergy and laity. Pastoral power also impacts modern ways of governing people, that is, the police, liberalism and neoliberalism.