Liberal government and techniques of the self

Abstract The introduction of the theme of government into Michel Foucault's later work opens up a rich domain of research. Aspects of this theme are considered with reference to Foucault's analysis of early Anglo-Scottish liberalism and more recent forms of neo-liberalism from the point of view of governmental reason. The article focuses on the interconnections between the government of others and techniques of the self in liberal arts of government and suggests some possible implications concerning the ethics of intellectual work.