The Influence of M. Foucault's Theory of "Power-Knowledge" on the E. Said's Concept of Orientalism: Methodological Aspects

This study is devoted to the problem of continuity between the philosophical methodology of Michel Foucault, which found expression in the works "Archeology of Knowledge" and "Discipline and Punish", and Edward Said, presented in the work "Orientalism." The purpose of the study is to analyze the degree to which Foucault's concept of power-knowledge (le savoir-pouvoir) influence the formation of the Said's research position. The work details the existing relationship between the approaches of both researchers, with emphasis on the distinctiveness of each of them. The analysis of the concept of discourse, the relationship of authors to history, texts, knowledge and power, demonstrates the presence of both elements of similarity and fundamental differences. The influence of Foucault's philosophy, fixed by the researchers and Said himself, is of a dual nature and can often be described as creation "from the opposite".