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Explore the unexpected intellectual convergence between Michel Foucault's postmodern critique of power and Friedrich Hayek's classical liberal economics in this academic lecture from Duke University's Hayek Lecture Series. Discover how Professor Mark Pennington from King's College London proposes a synthesis of these seemingly disparate philosophical traditions to create what he terms "postmodern liberalism." Learn how Foucault's analytical tools for examining power structures and social control can be combined with Hayekian political economy to identify and critique contemporary forms of unfreedom, illiberalism, and governmental overreach. Examine the theoretical foundations that make this philosophical marriage possible, as Pennington demonstrates how both thinkers, despite their different methodological approaches, share concerns about the subtle mechanisms through which individual liberty can be undermined. Gain insights into how this hybrid framework might offer new perspectives on analyzing modern governance, social institutions, and the complex relationship between freedom and power in contemporary societies. The lecture draws from Pennington's extensive research in political economy and his forthcoming work on Foucault and liberal political economy, providing a rigorous academic exploration of how critical social theory can inform and strengthen liberal political thought.
