Which philosopher is known for discussing how societal discourse is manipulated by power dynamics?

The philosopher known for discussing how societal discourse is manipulated by power dynamics is Foucault. He critically examined how power is exercised not only through institutions and laws but also through the ways knowledge is formed and used within society. Foucault's analysis reveals that discourse—the way we talk about and understand various aspects of life—shapes and is shaped by power relationships.

His work emphasizes that knowledge is not neutral; it is intertwined with power structures that influence what is accepted as truth or norm within a society. Foucault examined various aspects of social institutions, such as the prison system, medicine, and sexuality, to illustrate how power and knowledge are linked, showing that societal norms are often dictated by those in positions of authority. Therefore, his contributions to understanding the complex interplay between knowledge, discourse, and power make him a pivotal figure in this area of philosophy.