A Psicologia como tecnologia de governo da subjetividade contemporânea

Abstract

The objective of the dissertation is to explore the use of Psychology as a technology of power in the government of contemporary societies. At first, we investigate the concept of government in Foucault and its importance in the understanding of contemporary forms of government. Starting from the notion of government as the conduct of conduct or an action over other actions , Foucault proposes a genealogy of forms of government in western societies, that are developed as technologies that turn the pratices of power each time more indirect, subtle and refined. Based on foucaltian formulations, we have searched to understand how the contemporary form of government is linked a other fields of human activity, in particular, psychological technologies. This question is approached according to the analyses of the English School of Governmentality. English School studies in Governmentalit y propose that governing in contemporary societies is based on the relation among political rationalities, programmes and technologies of government. In our analysis, we present the role of Psychology as a technology of government and the function of expertise in governmental actions. Experts are those who promote a mediation role between the targets of political rationalities and values they wish to infuse and the desires and aspirations of individuals. Among the group of experts we underline psychologists, whose specific knowledge has altered the way in which individuals represent themselves and the world. At last, we analyze the main features of knowledge and practices of psychology that have contributed for Psychology to become a tool of contemporary forms of government, in the perspective of the English School of Governmentality