4/11 Gramsci & Foucalt

In both sets of readings, the authors mention two distinct concepts of truth and philosophy which has the ability to produce power, control, and hegemony in society. Foucalt mentions that knowledge is a form of power and that the external basis of knowledge is truth. Those who hold this power are often occupying certain dominant class or political positions that have the ability to control and influence societies of their own specific knowledg,e ideas, and beliefs. The goal of this article is to distinguish and separate truth from the knowledge that social institutions produce that exerts hegemony over other types of knowledge and thought. In Gramsci's article, he argues that philosophy isn't limited to sophisticated highbrow culture, but is available for everyone to use and create.  Both articles display a power struggle between instutions or class with power and the rest of society. Gramsci's article touch closely on teachings of Marx such as how the ruling class produces ruling ideas. For example, those in higher positions produce common ideas that define their class and are able to influence other classes. Also, he uses the idea of the "dialectic" in which the synthesis produces a philosophy that challenges traditional ideas and criticizes problems.