Discipline, Punishment and Control

What does it mean to 'Do the right thing'?

 

Even if we do not always act upon it, we seem to possess a definite sense of moral right and wrong, when deciding on any particular course of action. The complications inherent in our decisions do not usually involve a moral dilemma, but rather a conflict of material interests, which make doing the right thing less appealing. Moreover, if our laws allow us to act immorally, even materially rewarding us for doing so, then Immanuel Kant's idea of moral duty is thoroughly undermined.

Michel Foucault highlights how contentious morality becomes, when seen in light of the restrictions that society imposes upon its peoples. We all understand that to transgress the laws of society leads to punishment from the powers that be. But when the laws that control us are subject to moral scrutiny, we find that what is law is not always ethical; and vice versa. This suggests that the law obeys an agenda other than to promote and encourage people to 'do the right thing'. 

Foucault presents us with a picture of control.

Xref. Postmodernism, Slavoj Zizek, Western political agenda