ILLNESS, CRISIS & LOSS, Vol. 13(1) 63-73, 2005 WHAT IS THE TRUTH OF DEATH AND DYING? REFLECTIONS ON FULTON, FOUCAULT, AND FINITUDE KENT L. SANDSTROM University of Northern Iowa ABSTRACT This article highlights Michel Foucault’s neglected insights regarding the social and discursive construction of death in contemporary Western societies. It also describes the limitations of Foucault’s views, pointing out some of the key dimensions of death, dying, and resistance he overlooks because he downplays the agency exercised by human beings. The article concludes with a discussion of how and why Foucault’s analyses need the corrective offered by Robert Fulton’s work. Fulton recognizes and empha- sizes the human capacity for agency, meaning making, and resistance, particularly in addressing the “truth” of death and dying. Key Words: bio-politics, death, discourse, dying, HIV/AIDS PROLOGUE I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute this article in honor of Bob Fulton. Bob has had an important impact on my thinking and research over the past 16 years. During my time as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, Bob was a thoughtful, engaging, and encouraging mentor. Indeed, when I reflect back on my days in graduate school, I think of Bob regularly welcoming me into his office to engage in lengthy and lively conversations about an amazing array of topics, including the intricate details of African fertility rituals and Egyptian burial customs. I also think of Bob’s warmth, curiosity, and enthusiasm 63 Ó 2005, Baywood Publishing Co., Inc.