Michel Foucault was a French philosopher and social theorist known for his influential ideas about power, knowledge, and society. He explored how institutions like prisons, schools, and hospitals shape human behavior and thought. Foucault's work often examined the relationship between power and knowledge, suggesting that what we consider "truth" is influenced by social and historical contexts. Foucault is best known for his concepts of biopower and governmentality, which describe how modern societies regulate populations through various means. His books, such as Discipline and Punish and The History of Sexuality, challenge traditional views of history and encourage readers to think critically about the structures that govern their lives.