Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason

Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason is a work by Michel Foucault that examines the historical treatment of mental illness. Foucault argues that during the "Age of Reason," what was considered "madness" was largely defined by exclusion and confinement, serving to establish the boundaries of societal norms and reason itself.12

The book traces how, from ancient times, mental disorders were often attributed to divine displeasure or demonic possession. While some, like Hippocrates, recognized natural causes, the prevailing approach often involved isolation and inhumane treatment. Foucault highlights the shift in the 17th and 18th centuries towards confining the mentally ill with other marginalized groups, leading to brutal conditions. He contrasts this with later reform movements that sought more humane care. Foucault's work challenges the idea of objective reason by showing how it was constructed in opposition to and through the exclusion of madness.12