Madness And Civilization by Michel Foucault

The book is a profound and critical exploration of the history of the treatment of the mentally ill in Western society, tracing the shifting boundaries between madness and sanity from the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. The author argues that the way people with mental illness were treated was a reflection of the cultural, social, and intellectual mores of the time. He examines the evolution of institutions such as asylums and the role of medical and philosophical discourse in defining and managing madness, suggesting that the treatment of the mentally ill has often been a way of exerting social control rather than a genuine effort to help those suffering. The work challenges readers to reconsider the relationship between reason, unreason, and the structures of power and knowledge.

The 3280th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 114

Since this book was first published in 1961, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 114.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.