O que é objeto a em Lacan? | Christian Dunker | Falando nIsso 38

Summary

This video script explores Lacan's concept of the 'objet a,' a central notion in psychoanalysis. The discussion delves into the role of the 'other' in shaping human subjectivity, particularly through the mirror stage and its connection to narcissism. Lacan’s theory examines the 'objet a' as both an object of desire and a source of anguish, linking it to the symbolic, imaginary, and real registers. The script also touches on the role of the 'objet a' in fantasy and its influence on social bonds, desire, and relationships, drawing from both philosophical and clinical perspectives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lacan introduced the concept of the 'object a' in psychoanalysis, linked to human subjectivity and desire.
• 😀 The mirror stage, where the child recognizes their image, plays a key role in shaping the ego and narcissism.
• 😀 The 'small other' (le petit autre) becomes an important figure in the formation of the human subject, as a source of self-completion and satisfaction.
• 😀 Lacan expands the idea of the other beyond being simply an image, exploring its relationship with language and the symbolic order.
• 😀 The object a is both an image of the other and also the cause of desire, prompting Lacan to investigate the ultimate nature of this object.
• 😀 Freud believed that anxiety stems from the absence of the object, a feeling of unavailability, leading to intense loneliness.
• 😀 Lacan challenges Freud's view, proposing that the absence of the object might point to the existence of an imaginary object, which he refers to as the object a.
• 😀 The object a serves multiple roles in Lacan's theory: it is a cause of desire, a source of jouissance (pleasure), and shapes the subject’s identity.
• 😀 Lacan explores the function of the object a within various discourses, particularly in the discourse of the master, where it plays a key role in societal and relational structures.
• 😀 The object a has an important role in fantasy, where it represents the subject’s desire, identity, and its relationship with the other.

Q & A

What is the main concept introduced by Lacan related to the mirror stage?

Lacan introduces the concept of the 'mirror stage,' which involves the formation of the ego. It highlights the moment when a subject anticipates and then confirms an image of themselves, marking the beginning of narcissism. This image is a mirror reflection that becomes central to the subject’s sense of self.

What is the significance of the 'small other' in Lacanian theory?

The 'small other' refers to a figure that represents the other in the formation of the subject’s identity, particularly in the mirror stage. It is a reflection that plays a crucial role in the subject's psychological development, particularly in the sense of unity and satisfaction with oneself.

How does Lacan differentiate between the 'imaginary' and the 'symbolic' in relation to the other?

Lacan makes a distinction between the 'imaginary' and the 'symbolic' in understanding the other. The 'imaginary' refers to the realm of images and appearances, while the 'symbolic' pertains to the order of language and social structures. The other can be seen as an image in the imaginary, but also as a symbolic entity that governs desire and language.

How does Lacan’s idea of 'objet petit a' relate to human desire?

'Objet petit a' (object little a) is central to Lacan’s theory of desire. It is the unattainable object that causes desire, acting as a void or a lack within the subject. It is not a real object but a representation of what the subject seeks in an endless pursuit of fulfillment.

What role does 'objet petit a' play in the subject's relationship to anguish and satisfaction?

In Lacanian theory, 'objet petit a' is linked to both anguish and satisfaction. It is the object of desire that elicits anguish due to its unattainability, but also the source of satisfaction, as it is the object through which the subject seeks to resolve the feeling of incompleteness or lack.

How does Lacan’s concept of 'objet petit a' differ from Freud’s understanding of anguish?

Lacan diverges from Freud's understanding of anguish by introducing the idea that anguish is not solely tied to the absence of a real object, but rather to the lack of 'objet petit a,' which is an object of desire that is inherently absent. For Lacan, this absence is constitutive of the subject’s desire.

What is the relationship between 'objet petit a' and social bonds or discourses?

'Objet petit a' plays a key role in structuring social bonds and different discourses. It organizes various forms of desire and social relationships by functioning as the object of desire that shapes how individuals relate to one another within different social contexts, such as the discourse of the master.

How does the concept of 'objet petit a' appear in Platonic thought, particularly in the 'Symposium'?

In the 'Symposium,' the concept of 'objet petit a' can be seen in the figure of Socrates, who embodies a certain allure or 'lack' that others find fascinating. Socrates represents a form of knowledge or essence that others are drawn to, resembling the Lacanian 'objet petit a'—an object that is both alluring and elusive.

What is the role of fantasy in Lacanian theory, especially in relation to 'objet petit a'?

Fantasy in Lacanian theory serves as a structure that shapes the subject’s desire and relationship with 'objet petit a.' Fantasy allows the subject to construct scenarios where the unattainable object of desire is imagined, facilitating a way to engage with the lack that defines the subject’s existence.

How does Lacan's concept of 'objet petit a' integrate the registers of the Imaginary, the Symbolic, and the Real?

'Objet petit a' serves as a point of intersection between the Imaginary, Symbolic, and Real registers in Lacanian theory. It acts as a mediator between these realms, consolidating desire and offering a point of unity that connects the fragmented aspects of the subject's existence.