Difference between revisions of "Affect"

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==Affect versus Idea==
+
==Affect versus Intellect==
 +
===Sigmund Freud===
 
In [[Freud]]'s work, the term "[[affect]]" stands in opposition to the term "[[idea]]".  
 
In [[Freud]]'s work, the term "[[affect]]" stands in opposition to the term "[[idea]]".  
  
 
The opposition between the [[affect|affective]] and the [[affect|intellectual]] is one of the oldest themes in [[philosophy]], and made its way into [[Freud]]'s vocabulary via [[German]] [[psychology]].
 
The opposition between the [[affect|affective]] and the [[affect|intellectual]] is one of the oldest themes in [[philosophy]], and made its way into [[Freud]]'s vocabulary via [[German]] [[psychology]].
  
--
+
===Jacques Lacan===
 +
For [[Lacan]], however, the opposition between the [[affective]] and the [[intellectual]] is not valid in the [[psychoanalysis|psychoanalytic field]].
  
For [[Lacan]], however, the opposition between the [[affective]] and the [[intellectual]] is not valid in the psychoanalytic field.  
+
<blockquote>"This opposition is one of the most contrary to analytic experience and most unenlightening when it comes to understanding it."<ref>{{S1}} p.274</ref></blockquote>
  
"This opposition is one of the most contrary to analytic experience and most unenlightening when it comes to understanding it."<ref>{{S1}} p.274</ref>
+
Thus, in response to those who accuse [[Lacan]] of being [[affect|over-intellectual]] and of neglecting the role of [[affect]], it can be pointed out that this criticism is based on what [[Lacan]] saw as a false opposition.<ref>[[Lacan]] also argued that criticisms of being over-intellectual were often merely excuses for sloppy thinking. {{E}} p.171</ref>
  
--
+
====Treatment====
 
+
[[Psychoanalytic]] [[treatment]] is based on the [[symbolic]] [[order]], which transcends the opposition between [[affect]] and [[affect|intellect]].  
Thus, in response to those who accuse [[Lacan]] of being over-[[intellectual]] and of neglecting the role of [[affect]], it can be pointed out that this criticism is based on what [[Lacan]] saw as a false opposition.
 
 
 
([[Lacan]] also argued that criticisms of being over-intellectual were often merely excuses for sloppy thinking.<ref>{{E}} p.171</ref>
 
 
 
[[Psychoanalytic]] [[treatment]] is based on the [[symbolic]] [[order]], which transcends the opposition between [[affect]] and intellect.  
 
  
 
On the one hand, [[psychoanalytic]] experience "is not that of an affective smoochy-woochy."<ref>{{S1}} p.55</ref>  
 
On the one hand, [[psychoanalytic]] experience "is not that of an affective smoochy-woochy."<ref>{{S1}} p.55</ref>  
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<blockquote>"We are not dealing here with an intellectual dimension."<ref>{{S1}} p.274</ref></blockquote>  
 
<blockquote>"We are not dealing here with an intellectual dimension."<ref>{{S1}} p.274</ref></blockquote>  
  
 +
====Resistance====
 
The [[Lacan]]ian [[psychoanalyst]] must thus be aware of the ways in which both "affective smoochy-woochy" and intellectualisation can be [[resistance]]s to [[analysis]], [[imaginary]] [[lure]]s of the [[ego]].  
 
The [[Lacan]]ian [[psychoanalyst]] must thus be aware of the ways in which both "affective smoochy-woochy" and intellectualisation can be [[resistance]]s to [[analysis]], [[imaginary]] [[lure]]s of the [[ego]].  
  
[[Anxiety]] is the only [[affect]] that is not deceptive.
+
[[Anxiety]] is the only [[affect]] that is not [[truth|deceptive]].
 
 
--
 
  
 +
====Separate Realms====
 
[[Lacan]] is opposed to those [[analyst]]s who have taken the [[affect]]ive realm as primary, for the [[affect]]ive is not a separate realm opposed to the [[intellectual]].
 
[[Lacan]] is opposed to those [[analyst]]s who have taken the [[affect]]ive realm as primary, for the [[affect]]ive is not a separate realm opposed to the [[intellectual]].
  
 
<blockquote>"The affective is not like a special density which would escape an intellectual accounting. It is not to be found in a mythical beyond of the production of the symbol which would precede the discursive formulation."<ref>{{S1}} p.57</ref></blockquote>
 
<blockquote>"The affective is not like a special density which would escape an intellectual accounting. It is not to be found in a mythical beyond of the production of the symbol which would precede the discursive formulation."<ref>{{S1}} p.57</ref></blockquote>
  
However, he rejects accusations of neglecting the role of [[affect]], pointing to the fact that a whole year of the [[seminar]] is dedicated precisely to discussing [[anxiety]].<ref>Lacan, 1973a: 38</ref>
+
However, he rejects accusations of neglecting the role of [[affect]], pointing to the fact that a whole year of the [[seminar]] is dedicated precisely to discussing [[anxiety]].<ref>{{TV}} p. 38</ref>
  
--
+
====Symbolic====
 
+
[[Lacan]] does not propose a general theory of [[affect]]s, but only touches on them insofar as they impinge on [[psychoanalytic treatment]].  
[[Lacan]] does not propose a general theory of affects, but only touches on them insofar as they impinge on psychoanalytic treatment.  
 
  
 
He insists on the relationship of [[affect]] to the [[symbolic]] [[order]]; [[affect]] means that the [[subject]] is affected by his relation with the [[Other]].  
 
He insists on the relationship of [[affect]] to the [[symbolic]] [[order]]; [[affect]] means that the [[subject]] is affected by his relation with the [[Other]].  
  
He argues that [[affect]]s are not [[signifier]]s but [[signal]]s (S7, 102-3), and emphasises [[Freud]]'s position that [[repression]] does not bear upon the [[affect]] (which can only be transformed or [[displacement|displaced]]) but upon the ideational representative (which is, in [[Lacan]]'s terms, the [[signifier]]) (Ec, 714).
+
He argues that [[affect]]s are not [[signifier]]s but [[signal]]s,<ref>{{S7}} p. 102-3</ref> and emphasizes [[Freud]]'s position that [[repression]] does not bear upon the [[affect]] (which can only be transformed or [[displacement|displaced]]) but upon the ideational representative (which is, in [[Lacan]]'s terms, the [[signifier]]).<ref>{{Ec}} p. 714</ref>
 
 
--
 
  
 +
====Clinical Practice====
 
[[Lacan]]'s comments on the concept of [[affect]] have important implications in [[clinical]] [[practice]].  
 
[[Lacan]]'s comments on the concept of [[affect]] have important implications in [[clinical]] [[practice]].  
  
Firstly, all the concepts in [[psychoanalysis]] which have traditionally been conceived in terms of [[affect]]s, such as the [[transference]], must be rethought in terms of their [[symbolic]] [[structure]], if the [[analyst]] is to direct the [[treatment]] correctly.
+
=====Structure=====
 
+
Firstly, all the [[:Category:Concepts|concept]]s in [[psychoanalysis]] which have traditionally been conceived in terms of [[affect]]s, such as the [[transference]], must be rethought in terms of their [[symbolic]] [[structure]], if the [[analyst]] is to direct the [[treatment]] correctly.
--
 
  
 +
=====Lure=====
 
Secondly, the [[affect]]s are [[lure]]s which can deceive the [[analyst]], and hence the [[analyst]] must be wary of being tricked by his own [[affect]]s.  
 
Secondly, the [[affect]]s are [[lure]]s which can deceive the [[analyst]], and hence the [[analyst]] must be wary of being tricked by his own [[affect]]s.  
  
 
This does not mean that the [[analyst]] must disregard his own feelings for the [[patient]], but simply that he must know how to make adequate use of them.
 
This does not mean that the [[analyst]] must disregard his own feelings for the [[patient]], but simply that he must know how to make adequate use of them.
  
--
+
=====Truth=====
 
 
 
Finally, it follows that the aim of [[psychoanalytic]] [[treatment]] is not the reliving of [[past]] experiences, nor the [[abreaction]] of [[affect]], but the articulation in [[speech]] of the [[truth]] about [[desire]].
 
Finally, it follows that the aim of [[psychoanalytic]] [[treatment]] is not the reliving of [[past]] experiences, nor the [[abreaction]] of [[affect]], but the articulation in [[speech]] of the [[truth]] about [[desire]].
  
--
+
====Passion====
 
 
 
Another term in [[Lacan]]'s [[discourse]], related to but distinct from "[[affect]]," is the term "[[passion]]."  
 
Another term in [[Lacan]]'s [[discourse]], related to but distinct from "[[affect]]," is the term "[[passion]]."  
  
[[Lacan]] speaks of the 'three fundamental passions': [[love]], [[hate]] and [[ignorance]].<ref>{{S1}} p.271</ref>
+
[[Lacan]] speaks of the "three fundamental passions": [[love]], [[hate]] and [[ignorance]].<ref>{{S1}} p. 271</ref>
  
This is a reference to Buddhist thought.<ref>{{E}} p.94</ref>
+
This is a reference to Buddhist thought.<ref>{{E}} p. 94</ref>
  
These [[passion]]s are not [[imaginary]] phenomena, but located at the junctions between the three [[order]]s.
+
These [[passion]]s are not [[imaginary|imaginary phenomena]], but located at the junctions between the [[order|three order]]s.
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
 +
{{See}}
 +
* [[Analyst]]
 +
* [[Desire]]
 +
* [[Ego]]
 +
||
 +
* [[Imaginary]]
 +
* [[Love]]
 +
* [[Lure]]
 +
||
 +
* [[Repression]]
 +
* [[Resistance]]
 +
* [[Signifier]]
 +
||
 +
* [[Speech]]
 +
* [[Structure]]
 +
* [[Symbolic]]
 +
||
 +
* [[Transference]]
 +
* [[Treatment]]
 
* [[Truth]]
 
* [[Truth]]
 +
{{Also}}
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
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[[Category:Psychoanalysis]]
 
[[Category:Psychoanalysis]]
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[[Category:Jacques Lacan]]
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[[Category:Symbolic]]
 +
[[Category:Practice]]
 +
[[Category:Treatment]]
 
[[Category:Dictionary]]
 
[[Category:Dictionary]]
[[Category:Jacques Lacan]]
 
 
[[Category:Concepts]]
 
[[Category:Concepts]]
 
[[Category:Terms]]
 
[[Category:Terms]]
 +
{{OK}}
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__NOTOC__

Revision as of 07:09, 24 August 2006

French: affect


Affect versus Intellect

Sigmund Freud

In Freud's work, the term "affect" stands in opposition to the term "idea".

The opposition between the affective and the intellectual is one of the oldest themes in philosophy, and made its way into Freud's vocabulary via German psychology.

Jacques Lacan

For Lacan, however, the opposition between the affective and the intellectual is not valid in the psychoanalytic field.

"This opposition is one of the most contrary to analytic experience and most unenlightening when it comes to understanding it."[1]

Thus, in response to those who accuse Lacan of being over-intellectual and of neglecting the role of affect, it can be pointed out that this criticism is based on what Lacan saw as a false opposition.[2]

Treatment

Psychoanalytic treatment is based on the symbolic order, which transcends the opposition between affect and intellect.

On the one hand, psychoanalytic experience "is not that of an affective smoochy-woochy."[3]

On the other hand, nor is psychoanalytic treatment an intellectual affair.

"We are not dealing here with an intellectual dimension."[4]

Resistance

The Lacanian psychoanalyst must thus be aware of the ways in which both "affective smoochy-woochy" and intellectualisation can be resistances to analysis, imaginary lures of the ego.

Anxiety is the only affect that is not deceptive.

Separate Realms

Lacan is opposed to those analysts who have taken the affective realm as primary, for the affective is not a separate realm opposed to the intellectual.

"The affective is not like a special density which would escape an intellectual accounting. It is not to be found in a mythical beyond of the production of the symbol which would precede the discursive formulation."[5]

However, he rejects accusations of neglecting the role of affect, pointing to the fact that a whole year of the seminar is dedicated precisely to discussing anxiety.[6]

Symbolic

Lacan does not propose a general theory of affects, but only touches on them insofar as they impinge on psychoanalytic treatment.

He insists on the relationship of affect to the symbolic order; affect means that the subject is affected by his relation with the Other.

He argues that affects are not signifiers but signals,[7] and emphasizes Freud's position that repression does not bear upon the affect (which can only be transformed or displaced) but upon the ideational representative (which is, in Lacan's terms, the signifier).[8]

Clinical Practice

Lacan's comments on the concept of affect have important implications in clinical practice.

Structure

Firstly, all the concepts in psychoanalysis which have traditionally been conceived in terms of affects, such as the transference, must be rethought in terms of their symbolic structure, if the analyst is to direct the treatment correctly.

Lure

Secondly, the affects are lures which can deceive the analyst, and hence the analyst must be wary of being tricked by his own affects.

This does not mean that the analyst must disregard his own feelings for the patient, but simply that he must know how to make adequate use of them.

Truth

Finally, it follows that the aim of psychoanalytic treatment is not the reliving of past experiences, nor the abreaction of affect, but the articulation in speech of the truth about desire.

Passion

Another term in Lacan's discourse, related to but distinct from "affect," is the term "passion."

Lacan speaks of the "three fundamental passions": love, hate and ignorance.[9]

This is a reference to Buddhist thought.[10]

These passions are not imaginary phenomena, but located at the junctions between the three orders.

See Also

References

  1. Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book I. Freud's Papers on Technique, 1953-54. Trans. John Forrester. New York: Nortion; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. p.274
  2. Lacan also argued that criticisms of being over-intellectual were often merely excuses for sloppy thinking. Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Tavistock Publications, 1977. p.171
  3. Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book I. Freud's Papers on Technique, 1953-54. Trans. John Forrester. New York: Nortion; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. p.55
  4. Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book I. Freud's Papers on Technique, 1953-54. Trans. John Forrester. New York: Nortion; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. p.274
  5. Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book I. Freud's Papers on Technique, 1953-54. Trans. John Forrester. New York: Nortion; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. p.57
  6. Lacan, Jacques. Télévision, Paris: Seuil, 1973. Television: A Challenge to the Psychoanalytic Establishment, ed. Joan Copjec, trans. Denis Hollier, Rosalind Krauss and Annette Michelson, New York: Norton, 1990]. p. 38
  7. Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book VII. The Ethics of Psychoanalysis, 1959-60. Trans. Dennis Porter. London: Routledge, 1992. p. 102-3
  8. Lacan, Jacques. Écrits. Paris: Seuil, 1966. p. 714
  9. Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book I. Freud's Papers on Technique, 1953-54. Trans. John Forrester. New York: Nortion; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. p. 271
  10. Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Tavistock Publications, 1977. p. 94