Difference between revisions of "Algebra"
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:Rather than being understood in an intuitive way, the [[algebraic]] [[symbols]] are to be used, manipulated and read in various different ways.<ref>{{E}} p.313</ref> | :Rather than being understood in an intuitive way, the [[algebraic]] [[symbols]] are to be used, manipulated and read in various different ways.<ref>{{E}} p.313</ref> | ||
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| + | The [[algebraic]] [[symbol]]s used by [[Lacan]], which appear principally in the [[matheme]]s, [[schema l]] and the [[graph of desire]], are listed below, together with their most common [[meaning]]. | ||
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| + | However, it is important to remember that the [[symbol]]s do not always refer to the same concept throughout [[Lacan]]'s work, but are used in different ways as his work develops. | ||
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| + | The most important example of such a shift in meaning is the use of the symbol ''a'' which is used in radically different ways in the 1950s and in the 1960s. | ||
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| + | Even other [[symbol]]s which are relatively stable in [[meaning]] are occasionally used in very different ways. | ||
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| + | Therefore some caution should be exercised when referring to the following list of equivalences. | ||
Revision as of 00:52, 8 August 2006
Algebra (Fr. algèbre) is a branch of mathematics -- or logic -- concerned with the properties and relationships of abstract entities represented in symbolic form.
Jacques Lacan
Jacques Lacan begins to use algebraic symbols in 1955 -- in an attempt to formalize psychoanalysis.
Formalization of Psychoanalysis
Three main reasons lie behind this attempt at formalization.
- 1. Formalization is necessary for psychoanalysis to acquire scientific status.
- Just as Claude Lévi-Strauss uses quasi-mathematical formulae in an attempt to set anthropology on a more scientific footing, Lacan attempts to do the same for psychoanalysis
- Lacan used quasi-mathematical formulae in an attempt to set psychoanalysis on a more scientific footing.
- 2. Formalization can provide a core of psychoanalytic theory which can be transmitted integrally even to those who have never experienced psychoanalytic treatment.
- The formulae thus become an essential aspect of the training of psychoanalysis which take their place alongside training analysis as a medium for the transmission of psychoanalytic knowledge.
- 3. Formalization of psychoanalytic theory in terms of algebraic symbols is a means of preventing intuitive understanding, which Lacan regards as an imaginary lure which hinders access to the symbolic.
- Rather than being understood in an intuitive way, the algebraic symbols are to be used, manipulated and read in various different ways.[1]
---
The algebraic symbols used by Lacan, which appear principally in the mathemes, schema l and the graph of desire, are listed below, together with their most common meaning.
However, it is important to remember that the symbols do not always refer to the same concept throughout Lacan's work, but are used in different ways as his work develops.
-
The most important example of such a shift in meaning is the use of the symbol a which is used in radically different ways in the 1950s and in the 1960s.
Even other symbols which are relatively stable in meaning are occasionally used in very different ways.
Therefore some caution should be exercised when referring to the following list of equivalences.
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Tavistock Publications, 1977. p.313
