The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) hosted the Eurasia Lecturer Series Vol. 2 Episode 4, featuring an in-depth philosophical discussion on the relationship between knowledge and power from the perspective of French philosopher Michel Foucault. The event took place at the Graduate School Hall of FISIP UNY and featured Reza A.A. Wattimena from Rumah Filsafat as the keynote speaker.

The discussion began with simple yet thought-provoking questions drawn from everyday life, such as why certain social norms—like the use of the right hand being considered more polite—are widely accepted without question. These examples illustrate how many societal norms are actually socially constructed and internalized over time.

Reza explained that, according to Michel Foucault, knowledge is never neutral but is always intertwined with power relations. Referring to Foucault’s major works The Archaeology of Knowledge and Power/Knowledge, he emphasized that knowledge shapes how individuals think, defines what is considered true, and regulates behavior within society.

The discussion further highlighted how institutions, particularly education, play a significant role in disciplining individuals through rules, systems, and practices. Mechanisms such as school uniforms, structured classroom arrangements, and evaluation systems subtly shape students’ behavior and mindset.

Beyond formal institutions, the relationship between knowledge and power also manifests in media practices, especially through framing processes that influence how people interpret events. Phenomena such as cancel culture demonstrate how society collectively constructs norms, morality, and accepted social identities in the public sphere.

Through this academic forum, participants were encouraged to think critically and become more aware of how knowledge operates not only as a tool for understanding reality but also as a mechanism that shapes social structures and power dynamics. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering critical thinking and intellectual engagement in higher education.

Moreover, the collaboration between academic institutions and external intellectual communities reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), promoting knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Overall, the event demonstrates UNY’s commitment to nurturing critical, reflective, and socially aware individuals who are capable of understanding complex societal issues and contributing to sustainable development through education and dialogue.