Difference between revisions of "Bar"
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
==Jacques Lacan== | ==Jacques Lacan== | ||
| − | === | + | |
| + | =====Ferdinand Saussure===== | ||
The term "[[bar]]" first appears in [[Lacan]]'s work in 1957, where it is introduced in the context of a discussion of [[Saussure]]'s concept of the [[sign]].<ref>{{E}} p.149</ref> | The term "[[bar]]" first appears in [[Lacan]]'s work in 1957, where it is introduced in the context of a discussion of [[Saussure]]'s concept of the [[sign]].<ref>{{E}} p.149</ref> | ||
In this context, the [[bar]] is the line that separates the [[signifier]] from the [[signified]] (in the [[Saussurean algorithm]]), and stands for the [[resistance]] inherent in [[signification]] which is only crossed in [[metaphor]]. | In this context, the [[bar]] is the line that separates the [[signifier]] from the [[signified]] (in the [[Saussurean algorithm]]), and stands for the [[resistance]] inherent in [[signification]] which is only crossed in [[metaphor]]. | ||
| − | + | =====Barred Subject===== | |
Not long after the 1957 paper in which the term first appears, in the [[seminar]] of 1957-8, [[Lacan]] goes on to use the [[bar]] to strike through his [[algebraic]] [[symbol]]s '''S''' and '''A''' in a manner reminiscent of [[Heidegger]]'s practice of crossing out the word "[[being]]."<ref>Heidegger, 1956</ref> | Not long after the 1957 paper in which the term first appears, in the [[seminar]] of 1957-8, [[Lacan]] goes on to use the [[bar]] to strike through his [[algebraic]] [[symbol]]s '''S''' and '''A''' in a manner reminiscent of [[Heidegger]]'s practice of crossing out the word "[[being]]."<ref>Heidegger, 1956</ref> | ||
| Line 19: | Line 20: | ||
The [[bar]] is also used to strike through the '''A''' (the [[big Other]]) to produce the algebraic notation for the "[[bar|barred Other]]," '''A'''. | The [[bar]] is also used to strike through the '''A''' (the [[big Other]]) to produce the algebraic notation for the "[[bar|barred Other]]," '''A'''. | ||
| − | However, [[Lacan]] continues to use both sign]]s in his [[algebra]] (e.g. in the [[graph of desire]]) | + | =====Barred Other===== |
| − | + | However, [[Lacan]] continues to use both [[sign]]s in his [[algebra]] (e.g. in the [[graph of desire]]). | |
| − | |||
| − | + | The [[bar]]red [[Other]] is the [[Other]] insofar as it is [[castration|castrated]], [[lack|incomplete]], marked by a [[lack]], as opposed to the complete, consistent, uncastrated [[Other]], an un-barred '''A''', which does not [[existence|exist]]. | |
| + | ===Woman Does Not Exist=== | ||
In 1973 the [[bar]] is used to strike through the definite article ''la'' whenever it precedes the noun ''femme'' ('woman'), as in [[Lacan]]'s famous phrase ''la femme n'existe pas'' ('woman does not exist'). | In 1973 the [[bar]] is used to strike through the definite article ''la'' whenever it precedes the noun ''femme'' ('woman'), as in [[Lacan]]'s famous phrase ''la femme n'existe pas'' ('woman does not exist'). | ||
| − | The definite article in French indicates universality, and by crossing it out [[Lacan]] illustrates his thesis that [[femininity]] is resistant to all forms of generalisation.<ref>{{S20}} p.68</ref> | + | The definite article in [[French]] indicates universality, and by crossing it out [[Lacan]] illustrates his thesis that [[femininity]] is resistant to all forms of generalisation.<ref>{{S20}} p.68</ref> |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | =====Other Interpretations===== | ||
In addition to these functions, the [[bar]] can also be interpreted as the [[symbolic]] [[phallus]] (which itself is never barred), as the [[symbol]] of [[negation]] in the [[formulae of sexuation]] (see [[sexual difference]]), and as the ''trait unaire'' (see [[identification]]). | In addition to these functions, the [[bar]] can also be interpreted as the [[symbolic]] [[phallus]] (which itself is never barred), as the [[symbol]] of [[negation]] in the [[formulae of sexuation]] (see [[sexual difference]]), and as the ''trait unaire'' (see [[identification]]). | ||
Revision as of 02:29, 18 August 2006
Contents
Jacques Lacan
Ferdinand Saussure
The term "bar" first appears in Lacan's work in 1957, where it is introduced in the context of a discussion of Saussure's concept of the sign.[1]
In this context, the bar is the line that separates the signifier from the signified (in the Saussurean algorithm), and stands for the resistance inherent in signification which is only crossed in metaphor.
Barred Subject
Not long after the 1957 paper in which the term first appears, in the seminar of 1957-8, Lacan goes on to use the bar to strike through his algebraic symbols S and A in a manner reminiscent of Heidegger's practice of crossing out the word "being."[2]
The bar is used to strike through the S to produce, $, the "barred subject'."
The bar here represents the division of the subject]] by language, the split.
Thus whereas before 1957 S designates the subject (e.g. in schema L), from 1957 on S designates the signifier and $ designates the (divided) subject.
The bar is also used to strike through the A (the big Other) to produce the algebraic notation for the "barred Other," A.
Barred Other
However, Lacan continues to use both signs in his algebra (e.g. in the graph of desire).
The barred Other is the Other insofar as it is castrated, incomplete, marked by a lack, as opposed to the complete, consistent, uncastrated Other, an un-barred A, which does not exist.
Woman Does Not Exist
In 1973 the bar is used to strike through the definite article la whenever it precedes the noun femme ('woman'), as in Lacan's famous phrase la femme n'existe pas ('woman does not exist').
The definite article in French indicates universality, and by crossing it out Lacan illustrates his thesis that femininity is resistant to all forms of generalisation.[3]
Other Interpretations
In addition to these functions, the bar can also be interpreted as the symbolic phallus (which itself is never barred), as the symbol of negation in the formulae of sexuation (see sexual difference), and as the trait unaire (see identification).
See Also
References
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Tavistock Publications, 1977. p.149
- ↑ Heidegger, 1956
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Le Séminaire. Livre XX. Encore, 1972-73. Ed. Jacques-Alain Miller. Paris: Seuil, 1975. p.68
