Question

1. Summarize the four meanings of parrhesia as explained in the first section of the Foucault lecture (p. 1-5). After summarizing the meaning of parrhesia, explain a time when you have had to play the role of a parrhesiastes (aka someone who speaks truth to power) OR if you have seen/heard someone else play this role.

2. Looking at the second section of the Foucault lecture, (p. 6-10) explain the “crisis” of democracy in the face of parrhesia. To answer this, you will need to explain both the positive and negative definitions of parrhesia, by explaining the difference between a “good” and a “bad” orator. Give an example of each kind of parrhesia (one good example one bad example).

Answer 1

In the first section of Foucault's lecture, it has been mentioned that parrhesia is categorized as a figure of speech that is used to describe the process to speak candidly or to ask forgiveness while speaking. In addition, Foucault summarized that parrhesia is categorized as the courage which is developed within a person who speaks and takes the risk to explain the truth which he thinks is true. Moreover, it has been found that courageous parrhesia speech is used to address both fellow citizens and the whole of mankind with the help of ethical and political behavior. The first section also explains that revolutionary discourse also plays the role of parrhesia discourse when it takes the form of an existing society. I had to play the role of a parrhesiastes when any of my friends or family members face problems due to any misunderstanding and I can speak the truth with the courage to help my close ones. I can speak what is true in front of everyone to save the right person.

The Criss of democracy takes place in the fourth century and it has given rise to many ethos and ethical differentiation. The example from the constitution of Athenians and other principles of the greek political depicts the crisis of democracy. Positive parrhesia is when someone speaks the ruth for goodwill and for justice; however when someone speak without considering the words which might harm another person it is known as negative parrhesia. Orator is the public speaker who speaks in front of the public and who has skills to encourage everyone to join in the revolution. Bad orator did one who provides negative views in front of the audience whereas a person who has quality oratory skills such as Abraham Lincoln are good operators.