The immediate line that stands out in Foucault’s argument is “the right to make live and let die” (1441). Foucault’s argument is that as society continues to increase modernization there is greater development of power in biopolitics. As society continues to develop there are new obstacles that are brought to light. Biopolitics involve the ability to understand and sometimes decide who controls birth rates, mortality rates. This is significant because politics decides whether it is legal or illegal to get abortions for example. Biopolitics is sort of where the government is having control over people’s bodies. This is brought to life because in the past medical buildings and hygiene didn’t exist. Therefore, mortality rates were higher in the past compared to the present. Now there are medical and hygiene protocol in place. His argument says that biopolitics include mechanisms. These mechanisms introduced by biopolitics are, forecasts, statistical estimates, and overall measures. This means that through these estimates people can control who can live. An example of this is the pandemic.  The problem was controlled with estimates about daily reports of how many people had covid and passed away from covid. So biopolitics tracks these estimates based on actual findings and were able to prevent a high mortality rate. During covid, people were social distancing, wearing face masks, and sanitizing. People worldwide were put on lockdown. We couldn’t go outside. So biopolitics is similar as to what happens when there is discipline and lack of discipline. Someone who isn’t disciplined about their body wouldn’t know the after-health effects. Compared to someone that is disciplined about their body, can live a longer life.
The nineteenth century is talked about in Foucault’s argument. The idea of sovereignty. The king or queen had most power. The people listened to sovereign power. However, this could be dangerous because people are entitled to racial prejudice. Sovereign power controls who get to live and who dies. There is some sense of control because the wealthy people often get what they want because they have money. This leaves poor people to suffer because they are not wealthy. There is some racial prejudice because people of color are often poor whereas white people are wealthier. This is the sovereign power because they decide upon the individuals. They decide what people do. They control the rights of the minority. Most of the power is shared amongst wealthy people. People who make the laws and structures depend on that power. Then people must abide by the laws and decide how to live in their own body and mental health. This is biopolitics.

As promised, here is what to expect for the midterm exam on Monday 3/18:

• after some thought, I’ve revised the contract terms for the midterm downward, eliminating the big essay. Here are the new requirements:
  • A contract: complete nine short answers (there will be at least 12 to choose from)
  • B contract: complete seven short answers
• we will review for the exam by surveying the study questions on our site: come to class on 3/14 with questions in hand so we can use the time efficiently
• all devices and books will be put away prior to the exam, and all responses will be entered onto “blue books” I will provide. Each student can bring one page of notes (handwritten or typed on one side). If you elect to bring notes, you must submit the sheet with your exam, with your name on it.
• make arrangements to be present and be on time on Monday 3/18 without fail. Unless there is a documented excuse (serious illness, injury, or other serious problem), there will be no make-ups.
• as stated in the contract, students who give satisfactory answers for the minimum number of questions for your contract will pass. Students who write unsatisfactory exam maybe downgraded to a lower contract (i.e., from an A to a B or B to a C).

Feel free to ask questions or express concerns via email or in class.