Matheme

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French: mathème

The term mathème is a neologism which Lacan derives from the word "mathematics, presumably by analogy with the term mytheme (a term coined by Claude Lévi-Strauss to denote the basic constituents of mythological systems).[1] The mathemes are part of Lacanian algebra.


Schema L

Schema L

In 1955, Lacan introduced what could be called his first matheme, the relatively simple "schema L", illustrating the imaginary function of the ego.

Schema L identifies four points in the signifying chain:

  1. CapitalA.gif, the unconscious or the "discourse of the Other]", and then .
  2. Smalls.gif, the subject, which in turn results from the relation between
  3. Schema.L.smalla.gif, the ego and
  4. Schema.L.smalla'.gif, the other.

Signifier

The Saussurean algorithm

Perhaps the most familiar matheme is the "algorithm" which in 1957 replaces Saussure's simple diagram / arbor with the notion S/s. In 1957, Lacan replaces Saussure's diagram of the sign with what is now referred to as the "Saussurean algorithm".[2] The matheme links the laws of the unconscious discovered by Freud to the laws of language (metaphor and metonymy).

This is to be understood as demonstrating that the signifier is above the signified , showing the primacy of the signifier (which is capitalized, whereas the signifier is reduced to mere lower-case italic), and that the two are separated by a bar that resists signification and forces the signifier to slide endlessly.[3]

See Also

References

  1. Lévi-Strauss, Claude. 1955.
  2. Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Tavistock Publications, 1977. p. 149
  3. Lacan, Jacques. "L'instance de la lettre dans l'inconscient ou la raison depuis Freud." Écrits. Paris: Seuil, 1966: 493-528 ["The agency of the letter in the unconscious or reason since Freud." Trans. Alan Sheridan Écrits: A Selection. London: Tavistock, 1977; New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1977: 146-78].