Difference between revisions of "Drive"
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==Sigmund Freud== | ==Sigmund Freud== | ||
| − | === | + | ===Human Sexuality=== |
[[Freud]]'s concept of the [[drive]] is central to his theory of [[human]] [[sexuality]]; it lies at the heart of his theory of [[sexuality]]. | [[Freud]]'s concept of the [[drive]] is central to his theory of [[human]] [[sexuality]]; it lies at the heart of his theory of [[sexuality]]. | ||
| − | + | ===Instinct and Drive=== | |
For [[Freud]], the distinctive feature of [[human]] [[sexuality]] -- as opposed to the sexual life of other animals -- is that it is not regulated by any [[instinct]] -- a concept which implies a relatively fixed and innate relationship to an [[object]] -- but by the [[drive]]s -- which differ from [[instinct]]s in that they are extremely variable, and develop in ways which are contingent on the life history of the [[subject]]. | For [[Freud]], the distinctive feature of [[human]] [[sexuality]] -- as opposed to the sexual life of other animals -- is that it is not regulated by any [[instinct]] -- a concept which implies a relatively fixed and innate relationship to an [[object]] -- but by the [[drive]]s -- which differ from [[instinct]]s in that they are extremely variable, and develop in ways which are contingent on the life history of the [[subject]]. | ||
==Jacques Lacan== | ==Jacques Lacan== | ||
| − | [[Lacan]] insists on maintaining the [[Freud]]ian distinction between | + | ===Instinct and Drive=== |
| + | [[Lacan]] insists on maintaining the [[Freud]]ian distinction between [[drive]] and [[instinct]].<ref>{{E}} p.301</ref> | ||
| − | Whereas | + | Whereas [[instinct]] denotes a mythical [[linguistic|pre-linguistic]] [[need]], the [[drive]] is completely removed from the realm of [[biology]]. |
| − | The [[drive]]s differ from [[biological]] [[need]]s in that they can never be satisfied, and do not aim at an [[object]] but rather circle perpetually round it. | + | ===The Aim of the Drive=== |
| + | The [[drive]]s differ from [[biological]] [[need]]s in that they can never be [[satisfied]], and do not aim at an [[object]] but rather circle perpetually round it. | ||
| − | [[Lacan]] argues that the purpose of the [[drive]] (''Triebziel'') is not to reach a ''goal'' ( a final destination) but to follow its ''aim'' (the way itself), which is to circle round the [[object]].<ref>{{S11}} p.168</ref> | + | [[Lacan]] argues that the purpose of the [[drive]] (''[[Triebziel]]'') is not to reach a ''goal'' (a final destination) but to follow its ''aim'' (the way itself), which is to circle round the [[object]].<ref>{{S11}} p.168</ref> |
| − | Thus the real purpose of the [[drive]] is not some mythical goal of full satisfaction, but to return to its circular path, and the real source of [[enjoyment]] is the repetitive movement of this closed circuit. | + | Thus the real purpose of the [[drive]] is not some mythical goal of full [[satisfaction]], but to return to its circular path, and the real source of [[enjoyment]] is the [[repetition|repetitive movement]] of this closed circuit. |
| − | == | + | ==Cultural and Symbolic Construct== |
| − | [[Lacan]] reminds his readers that [[Freud]] defined the [[drive]] as a montage composed of four discontinuous elements | + | [[Lacan]] reminds his readers that [[Freud]] defined the [[drive]] as a montage composed of four discontinuous elements: the pressure, the end, the object and the source. |
The [[drive]] cannot therefore be conceived of as "some ultimate given, something archaic, primordial."<ref>{{S11}} p.162</ref> | The [[drive]] cannot therefore be conceived of as "some ultimate given, something archaic, primordial."<ref>{{S11}} p.162</ref> | ||
| − | It is a thoroughly cultural and symbolic construct. | + | It is a thoroughly [[culture|cultural]] and [[symbolic]] construct. |
[[Lacan]] thus empties the concept of the [[drive]] of the lingering references in [[Freud]]'s work to energetics and hydraulics. | [[Lacan]] thus empties the concept of the [[drive]] of the lingering references in [[Freud]]'s work to energetics and hydraulics. | ||
| − | + | ===The Drive's Circuit=== | |
| − | + | ===The Circuit of the Drive=== | |
| + | ====Three Grammatical Voices==== | ||
[[Lacan]] incorporates the four elements of the drive in his theory of the [[drive]]'s circuit. | [[Lacan]] incorporates the four elements of the drive in his theory of the [[drive]]'s circuit. | ||
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# The passive voice (e.g. to be seen) | # The passive voice (e.g. to be seen) | ||
| − | + | ====The Activity/Passivity of the Drive==== | |
| − | The first of these two times (active and reflexive voices) are autoerotic; they lack a subject. | + | The first of these two times (active and reflexive voices) are autoerotic; they lack a [[subject]]. |
Only in the third time (the passive voice), when the [[drive]] completes its circuit, does "a new subject" appear (which is to say that before this time, there was no subject). | Only in the third time (the passive voice), when the [[drive]] completes its circuit, does "a new subject" appear (which is to say that before this time, there was no subject). | ||
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The circuit of the [[drive]] is the only way for the [[subject]] to transgress the [[pleasure principle]]. | The circuit of the [[drive]] is the only way for the [[subject]] to transgress the [[pleasure principle]]. | ||
| − | + | ==Partial Drives== | |
| + | [[Freud]] argued that [[sexuality]] is composed of a number of [[drive|partial drives]] ([[Ger]]. ''[[drive|Partieltrieb]]'') such as the [[drive|oral drive]] and the [[drive|anal drive]], each specified by a different source (a different erotogenic zone). | ||
| + | |||
| + | At first these component [[drive]]s function anarchically and independently (viz. the 'polymorphous perversity' of children), but in puberty they become organized and fused together under the priamcy of the genital organs.<ref>{{F}} p.1905d.</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Differences between Freud and Lacan=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Lacan]] emphasizes the partial nature of all [[drive]]s, but differs from [[Freud]] on two points: | ||
| − | [[ | + | # [[Lacan]] rejects the idea that the partial drives can ever attain any complete organization or fusion, aruging that the priamcy of the genital zone, if achieved, is always a highly precarious affair. |
| + | : He thus challenges the notion, put forward by some psychoanalysts after [[Freud]], of a genital drive in which the partial drives are completely integrated in a harmonious relation. | ||
| + | # [[Lacan]] argues that the [[drive]]s are partial, not in the sense that thy are parts of a whole (a 'genital drive'), but in the sense that they only represent sexuality partially; they do not represent the reproductive function of sexuality but only the dimension of enjoyment.<ref>{{S11}} p.204</ref> | ||
| + | ===Four Partial Drives=== | ||
| + | [[Lacan]] identifies four partial drives: the oral drive, the anal drive, the scopic drive, and the invocatory drive. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Each of these drives is specified by a different [[partial object]] and a different erogenous zone. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The first two drives relate to [[demand]], whereas the second pair relate to [[desire]]. | ||
{| style="width:75%; height:200px" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" align="center" | {| style="width:75%; height:200px" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" align="center" | ||
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| − | + | ==Lacanian Matheme== | |
| − | + | In 1957, in the context of the [[graph of desire]], [[Lacan]] proposes the formula ('''S <> D''') as the [[matheme]] for the [[drive]]. | |
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| − | In 1957, in the context of the [[graph of desire]], [[Lacan]] proposes the formula ('''S''' | ||
This formula is to be read: the [[bar]]ed [[subject]] in relation to [[demand]], the fading of the [[subject]] before the insistence of a [[demand]] that persists without any [[conscious]] [[intention]] to sustain it. | This formula is to be read: the [[bar]]ed [[subject]] in relation to [[demand]], the fading of the [[subject]] before the insistence of a [[demand]] that persists without any [[conscious]] [[intention]] to sustain it. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Dualism of the Drive== |
| − | + | ===Sigmund Freud=== | |
| + | ====Life and Death Drives==== | ||
Throughout the various reformulations of drive-theory in [[Freud]]'s work, one constant feature is a basic dualism. | Throughout the various reformulations of drive-theory in [[Freud]]'s work, one constant feature is a basic dualism. | ||
| − | At first this dualism was conceived in terms of an opposition between the sexual | + | At first this dualism was conceived in terms of an opposition between the [[drive|sexual drive]]s (''[[drive|Sexualtriebe]]'') on the one hand, and the [[drive|ego-drive]]s (''[[drive|Ichtriebe]]'') or [[drive|drives of self-preservation]] (''[[drive|Selbsterhaltungstriebe]]'') on the other. |
| − | This opposition was problematized by [[Freud]]'s growing realization, in the period 1914-20, that | + | This opposition was problematized by [[Freud]]'s growing realization, in the period 1914-20, that the [[drive|ego-drive]]s are themselves sexual. |
| − | He was thus led to reconceptualize the dualism of the [[drive]]s in terms of an opposition between the life | + | He was thus led to reconceptualize the dualism of the [[drive]]s in terms of an opposition between the [[drive|life drive]]s (''[[drive|Lebenstriebe]]'') and the [[death drive]]s (''[[death drive|Todostriebe]]''). |
| − | == | + | ===Jacques Lacan=== |
| + | ====Symbolic and Imaginary==== | ||
[[Lacan]] argues that it is important to retain [[Freud]]'s dualism, and rejects the monism of [[Jung]], who argued that all psychic forces could be reduced to one single concept of psychic energy.<ref>{{S1}} p.118-20</ref> | [[Lacan]] argues that it is important to retain [[Freud]]'s dualism, and rejects the monism of [[Jung]], who argued that all psychic forces could be reduced to one single concept of psychic energy.<ref>{{S1}} p.118-20</ref> | ||
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Thus, for [[Lacan]], all [[drive]]s are sexual drives, and every [[drive]] is a [[death drive]] since every [[drive]] is excessive, repetitive, and ultimately destructive.<ref>{{Ec}} p.848</ref> | Thus, for [[Lacan]], all [[drive]]s are sexual drives, and every [[drive]] is a [[death drive]] since every [[drive]] is excessive, repetitive, and ultimately destructive.<ref>{{Ec}} p.848</ref> | ||
| − | == | + | ==Drive and Desire== |
| + | The [[drive]]s are closely related to [[desire]]; both originate in the field of the [[subject]], as opposed to the [[drive|genital drive]], which (if it exists) finds its form on the side of the [[Other]].<ref>{{S11}} p.189</ref> | ||
| − | + | However, the [[drive]] is not merely another name for [[desire]]: they are the partial aspects in which [desire]] is realized. | |
| − | + | [[Desire]] is one and undivided, whereas the [[drive]]s are partial manifestations of [[desire]]. | |
| − | [[Desire]] | + | ==See Also== |
| + | * [[Biology]] | ||
| + | * [[Death drive]] | ||
| + | * [[Desire]] | ||
| + | * [[Instinct]] | ||
| + | * [[Pleasure principle]] | ||
| + | * [[Sexuality]] | ||
| + | * [[Subject]] | ||
| + | ==References== | ||
| + | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Psychoanalysis]] | [[Category:Psychoanalysis]] | ||
[[Category:Jacques Lacan]] | [[Category:Jacques Lacan]] | ||
Revision as of 10:17, 21 August 2006
| French: pulsion; German: Trieb |
Sigmund Freud
Human Sexuality
Freud's concept of the drive is central to his theory of human sexuality; it lies at the heart of his theory of sexuality.
Instinct and Drive
For Freud, the distinctive feature of human sexuality -- as opposed to the sexual life of other animals -- is that it is not regulated by any instinct -- a concept which implies a relatively fixed and innate relationship to an object -- but by the drives -- which differ from instincts in that they are extremely variable, and develop in ways which are contingent on the life history of the subject.
Jacques Lacan
Instinct and Drive
Lacan insists on maintaining the Freudian distinction between drive and instinct.[1]
Whereas instinct denotes a mythical pre-linguistic need, the drive is completely removed from the realm of biology.
The Aim of the Drive
The drives differ from biological needs in that they can never be satisfied, and do not aim at an object but rather circle perpetually round it.
Lacan argues that the purpose of the drive (Triebziel) is not to reach a goal (a final destination) but to follow its aim (the way itself), which is to circle round the object.[2]
Thus the real purpose of the drive is not some mythical goal of full satisfaction, but to return to its circular path, and the real source of enjoyment is the repetitive movement of this closed circuit.
Cultural and Symbolic Construct
Lacan reminds his readers that Freud defined the drive as a montage composed of four discontinuous elements: the pressure, the end, the object and the source.
The drive cannot therefore be conceived of as "some ultimate given, something archaic, primordial."[3]
It is a thoroughly cultural and symbolic construct.
Lacan thus empties the concept of the drive of the lingering references in Freud's work to energetics and hydraulics.
The Drive's Circuit
The Circuit of the Drive
Three Grammatical Voices
Lacan incorporates the four elements of the drive in his theory of the drive's circuit.
In this circut, the drive originates in an erogenous zone.
This circuit is structured by the three grammatical voices.
- The active voice (e.g. to see)
- The reflexive voice (e.g. to see oneself)
- The passive voice (e.g. to be seen)
The Activity/Passivity of the Drive
The first of these two times (active and reflexive voices) are autoerotic; they lack a subject.
Only in the third time (the passive voice), when the drive completes its circuit, does "a new subject" appear (which is to say that before this time, there was no subject).
Although the third time is the passive voice, the drive is always essentially active, which is why Lacan writes that the third time not as "to be seen" but as "to make oneself be seen."
Even supposedly "passive" phases of the drive such as masochism involve activity.[4]
The circuit of the drive is the only way for the subject to transgress the pleasure principle.
Partial Drives
Freud argued that sexuality is composed of a number of partial drives (Ger. Partieltrieb) such as the oral drive and the anal drive, each specified by a different source (a different erotogenic zone).
At first these component drives function anarchically and independently (viz. the 'polymorphous perversity' of children), but in puberty they become organized and fused together under the priamcy of the genital organs.[5]
Differences between Freud and Lacan
Lacan emphasizes the partial nature of all drives, but differs from Freud on two points:
- Lacan rejects the idea that the partial drives can ever attain any complete organization or fusion, aruging that the priamcy of the genital zone, if achieved, is always a highly precarious affair.
- He thus challenges the notion, put forward by some psychoanalysts after Freud, of a genital drive in which the partial drives are completely integrated in a harmonious relation.
- Lacan argues that the drives are partial, not in the sense that thy are parts of a whole (a 'genital drive'), but in the sense that they only represent sexuality partially; they do not represent the reproductive function of sexuality but only the dimension of enjoyment.[6]
Four Partial Drives
Lacan identifies four partial drives: the oral drive, the anal drive, the scopic drive, and the invocatory drive.
Each of these drives is specified by a different partial object and a different erogenous zone.
The first two drives relate to demand, whereas the second pair relate to desire.
| PARTIAL DRIVE | EROGENOUS ZONE | PARTIAL OBJECT | VERB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | Oral drive | Lips | Breast | To suck |
| D | Anal drive | Anus | Faeces | To shit |
| d | Scopic drive | Eyes | Gaze | To see |
| d | Invocatory drive | Ears | Voice | To hear |
Lacanian Matheme
In 1957, in the context of the graph of desire, Lacan proposes the formula (S <> D) as the matheme for the drive.
This formula is to be read: the bared subject in relation to demand, the fading of the subject before the insistence of a demand that persists without any conscious intention to sustain it.
Dualism of the Drive
Sigmund Freud
Life and Death Drives
Throughout the various reformulations of drive-theory in Freud's work, one constant feature is a basic dualism.
At first this dualism was conceived in terms of an opposition between the sexual drives (Sexualtriebe) on the one hand, and the ego-drives (Ichtriebe) or drives of self-preservation (Selbsterhaltungstriebe) on the other.
This opposition was problematized by Freud's growing realization, in the period 1914-20, that the ego-drives are themselves sexual.
He was thus led to reconceptualize the dualism of the drives in terms of an opposition between the life drives (Lebenstriebe) and the death drives (Todostriebe).
Jacques Lacan
Symbolic and Imaginary
Lacan argues that it is important to retain Freud's dualism, and rejects the monism of Jung, who argued that all psychic forces could be reduced to one single concept of psychic energy.[7]
However, Lacan prefers to reconceptualize this dualism in terms of an opposition between the symbolic and the imaginary, and not in terms of an oppositio between different kinds of drives.
Thus, for Lacan, all drives are sexual drives, and every drive is a death drive since every drive is excessive, repetitive, and ultimately destructive.[8]
Drive and Desire
The drives are closely related to desire; both originate in the field of the subject, as opposed to the genital drive, which (if it exists) finds its form on the side of the Other.[9]
However, the drive is not merely another name for desire: they are the partial aspects in which [desire]] is realized.
Desire is one and undivided, whereas the drives are partial manifestations of desire.
See Also
References
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Tavistock Publications, 1977. p.301
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book XI. The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis, 1964. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Hogarth Press and Institute of Psycho-Analysis, 1977. p.168
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book XI. The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis, 1964. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Hogarth Press and Institute of Psycho-Analysis, 1977. p.162
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book XI. The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis, 1964. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Hogarth Press and Institute of Psycho-Analysis, 1977. p.200
- ↑ Freud, Sigmund. p.1905d.
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book XI. The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis, 1964. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Hogarth Press and Institute of Psycho-Analysis, 1977. p.204
- ↑ 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.118-20
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Écrits. Paris: Seuil, 1966. p.848
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book XI. The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis, 1964. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Hogarth Press and Institute of Psycho-Analysis, 1977. p.189
