Artifact 1: Foucault Reading Response

In this reading, Foucault explores the morals, procedures, and most importantly the theoretical aspects of torture. I found it interesting that in the 18th century, the use of torture was seen as an extension of the monarchies hand. Every crime committed in their kingdom was a personal offense to them. I also found it very interesting that in this era, suspicion was equated to a degree of guilt. If you were investigated, then torture was a means of slight punishment, as well as a way of further investigating your guilt. I found the first section of this reading to be very thick and confusing. I do not completely understand the political machinery Foucault is referencing. I do however agree with the torture of the body versus the mind that he describes. Finally, I was intrigued by the way condemned men were judged on the stake in this age. In other words, if they screamed and shouted blasphemies or took the torture poorly, they were showing signs of guilt. If they spoke religiously and wholesomely however, they were properly repenting and were seen as making amends with God.