Lacanism is a philosophical current that is based on the theories of the French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan. Born in 1901, Lacan was one of the main exponents of psychoanalysis in the XNUMXth century and developed a unique and complex approach to the functioning of the human mind. His work influenced not only psychology and psychoanalysis, but also philosophy, linguistics and other areas of knowledge. In this glossary, we will explore the main concepts and ideas of Lacanism, offering a comprehensive and detailed overview of this philosophical current.

What is Lacanism?

Lacanism is a philosophical current that is based on the theories of the French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan. Lacan was one of Sigmund Freud's main disciples and, throughout his career, developed a unique and original approach to psychoanalysis. Lacanism seeks to understand the functioning of the human mind, the structure of the unconscious and psychic processes through concepts such as the symbolic, the imaginary and the real.

The fundamental concepts of Lacanism

To understand Lacanism, it is important to know some fundamental concepts developed by Jacques Lacan. One of the main concepts is that of the “unconscious structured like a language”. Lacan argued that the unconscious is not a dark and inaccessible region of the mind, but rather a symbolic structure that manifests itself through language. According to him, language is the means by which unconscious desires and conflicts are expressed.

Another central concept of Lacanism is that of “object a”. Lacan stated that human desire is always an unsatisfied desire, which incessantly searches for an object that can fill this lack. This object, called “object a”, is something that is always beyond reach, since obtaining it does not bring full satisfaction. The “object a” can be anything that arouses desire, such as a person, a material object or an idea.

Furthermore, Lacanism also addresses the concept of “jouissance”. Lacan used this word to refer to an experience of intense and excessive pleasure, which goes beyond the limits of what is considered socially acceptable. Enjoyment is a paradoxical experience, because, at the same time as it brings pleasure, it also causes suffering and anguish. For Lacan, jouissance is related to the encounter with the “object a” and is one of the main sources of conflict and psychic imbalance.

The structure of the subject in Lacanism

In Lacanism, the structure of the subject is understood through three registers: the symbolic, the imaginary and the real. The symbolic register is that of language and symbolic representations that constitute social reality. It is through the symbolic that the subject constitutes himself as a speaking subject and is inserted into the symbolic order of culture.

The imaginary record, in turn, is related to the images and visual representations that the subject constructs of himself and the world around him. It is in the imaginary register that the subject identifies with idealized images and seeks a coherent and stable identity.

The real record is that which escapes symbolization and representation. It is the record of trauma, the impossible and the unrepresentable. The real is what cannot be symbolized or fully understood, but which nevertheless exerts a significant influence on the subject.

Lacanian psychoanalysis

Lacanian psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach that is based on the theories of Jacques Lacan. In this approach, the analyst seeks to help the patient access and understand the unconscious contents that influence their behavior and emotions. The objective is to promote the transformation and resolution of psychic conflicts, allowing the subject to become more aware of themselves and their motivations.

In Lacanian psychoanalysis, the analyst plays an active role, interpreting the content brought by the patient and seeking to identify the unconscious patterns that are repeated in their life. Interpretation is a complex process, which involves understanding the patient's free associations, dreams, memory lapses and other psychic phenomena.

Criticism of ego and identity

One of the main criticisms of Lacanism is directed at the concept of ego and the idea of ​​a fixed and stable identity. Lacan argued that the ego is an illusory construction, since the subject's identity is always fragmented and unstable. According to him, the subject is not a cohesive unit, but rather a multiplicity of contradictory identifications and desires.

This criticism of the ego and identity is related to the idea that the subject is constituted through the other. Lacan stated that the subject's identity is shaped by social relations and discourses that circulate in culture. Thus, identity is not something fixed and determined, but something that is in constant transformation and negotiation.

The influence of Lacanism on philosophy

Lacanism has exerted a significant influence on contemporary philosophy, especially in the field of philosophy of language and the philosophy of the subject. Lacan's approach to the unconscious as a symbolic structure and his critique of the idea of ​​a fixed and stable identity were important for rethinking concepts such as language, subject and meaning.

Furthermore, Lacanism also contributed to the understanding of the relationship between language and power. Lacan argued that language is not only a means of communication, but also a form of exercising power. Through language, dominant discourses impose norms and values ​​that shape the identity and behavior of subjects.

Criticism of positivism and determinism

Lacanism also takes a critical position in relation to positivism and determinism. Lacan argued that psychoanalysis cannot be reduced to a positive science, since it deals with subjective and complex phenomena that escape measurement and objectivity.

Furthermore, Lacanism questions the idea that the subject is determined by biological or social factors. Lacan stated that the subject is free to make choices and that their identity is not determined by external factors, but rather constructed through their own experiences and desires.

Criticism of idealism and rationalism

Finally, Lacanism is also opposed to idealism and rationalism, which defend the primacy of reason and conscience in the constitution of the subject. Lacan argued that reason and consciousness are only a part of the subject's structure and that the majority of his psychic life is governed by the unconscious and symbolic processes.

For Lacan, true understanding of the subject is only possible through the analysis of unconscious contents and the symbolic structures that constitute it. Thus, Lacanism proposes a critical and complex approach to the human mind, which seeks to go beyond the limitations of rational thought and idealism.