the cultivated subject

[07056267]

In regards to control and discipline, where do we gain this knowledge from?  I believe that cultivation of the self is passed on from generation to generation.  I believe if your parents look after themselves and live good healthy lives, it is likely to influence the way that we treat ourselves and so on.  This links to Foucaut's discussion of the relation between epimeleia heautou and knowledge.

[honeybunny]

i would argue that much of my cultivated self is expressed physically. for example, choosing to attend the gym four times a week is a self discipline controlled by my own ethics. Although physical, the process whereby my mind controls the life that i live in highlights a key way in which my cultivated self works.

Although the bigger picture of who i am as a person is governed by similar ethics, these are all disciplines that remain inside my head, however they are additionally expressed throughout my external life.

[07009616]

In short, "cultivation of self" means to improve oneself so basically constantly regulating of the self to be the bset that you can. for example, by going to lectures and actually paying attention, one is increasing their knowledge and therefore it is an extension of self. "the body is an extension of mind" so by going to the gym, one is improving their physical fitness and therefore cultivating themselves.  anything that extends our knowledge proves to be very beneficial towards our lives in the future so by obtaining a degree or any sort of qualifications, one will be able to acquire a better job (although not necessarily all the time)

[Millie]

I agree that the 'care of one's self' includes both your inner and outer being through healthy eating, excercise and a thurst for knowledge. Foucault also suggested that it is 'working or being concerned with something'; in my opinion this often involves other peopled concerns as well, therefore it is not alsways just about yourself.  I agree with Gauntlets view on ethics and moralities I beleive they are set by the individual and they are the one's who have to live with the consequences.

Taking into the consideration the comment from Smiles in regards Foucaults admaration for the Greeks; I thought Foucaults comments in regards to the Greeks taking into account their sexual behaviour (Gauntlett, 2002, p. 126) was narrow minded;
there are two sides to every story I'm sure the behaviour in ancient times would in todays society be deemed as sexual abuse.
   

[Natty]

A lot of the literature by Foucault talks about the history of sex in the West in the past few centuries and how this has influenced our present culture and our sense of self. The act of reproduction has been controlled to different extents and is described as being a factor in the emergence of capitalism. There is a potent sense of control behind this ideology and it dictates how we perceive ourselves, and this is in relation to our gender performance, our recognition of race, and our perception of disability.

[07031351]

I also believe that to cultivate the mind you are also cultivating the body, but not to such a strong degree. Your mind is a very complex and diverse where as your body is just an extension. It not only helps you though it also helps people around you as you are giving them knowledge you have also learnt.

[katiet27]

The cultivated subject bends my brain a bit.  My understanding is that we use all available tools to build on and improve ourselves.  Everything we do and see is surely cultivating our identity and in turn our "selves". 
I have a system of bookmarks on my web browser, some of which are related to me and how I can improve on things, is this a form of hypomnemata?  I think it is.  And I think with the cultivated subject, as long as you are thinking, you'll be alright!  ;-)

[bumblebee]

I agree with many of the comments already made. I think that it is not only the body that needs to be worked on it is the mind. Essentially anything that improves on oneself is the idea behind Foucault’s cultivated subject. The emphasis is on the individual to create the self; therefore they decide what part of this self they wish to improve.

[dell_boi]

I think that these ideals are right. The fact about looking after yourself in not just a physical way but in a spiritual way is very important. But i believe that the interpretation of the extension of your mind can be the savour or the downfall of your body. If you do not feel right in the mind then your body will fail. For example (and i say this only as a discussion) if you are anorexic your mind diminishes due to the fact that you 'think' you are fat etc. This physically diminishes your body through the power of the mind. So i believe if you are right in your mind, you will right in your body...