Final answer:
According to Michel Foucault, the human subject is produced in discourse, shaped by knowledge-power dynamics within society. Foucault's theory emphasizes the critical role of language and historical context in forming subjectivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
To Foucault, the human subject is not the source of meaning; rather, the subject is something that is produced within certain power-knowledge systems. Foucault's perspective aligns with post-structuralist views, which maintain that the concept of a fixed, preexistent 'self' is a product of discourse in society. Delving into the intricacies of Foucault's theories, we find that for him, the human subject is produced in discourse. Discourse encompasses a wide array of social practices, and within these, power relations work to construct subjects and their experiences.
Michel Foucault argued that knowledge and power are intertwined, and the production of knowledge is influenced by power dynamics. Therefore, who we are -- our identity and the roles we occupy -- are largely shaped within the societal and historical context in which we live. Language plays a crucial role in this as it is the medium through which discourse is constructed and understood. A thorough comprehension of Foucault’s theory requires recognizing the complex relations between language, power, and the formation of the human subject.