Madness, creativity and irrationality: the problem and its interpretation in the works of Michel Foucault

The article examines the theme of madness and creativity in the works of one of the most famous scientists of the XX century - Michel Foucault. The author emphasizes the interpretation of the irrational side of the human consciousness, the relationship of madness and creativity and the way the society treats the insane. Foucault does not only describe these social phenomena, but as a historian of social thought criticizes the ideas and concepts they are socially embodied in. The article focuses on Foucault’s idea that madness is created by the society, constituted by the social practices and cannot be separated from creativity.

madness, irrationality, a psychiatric clinic, disciplinary power, creativity, modernity