"[[{{Top}}structures|structure]]" ([[Fr]]. ''[[structure]]''){{Bottom}}
==Jacques Lacan==
=====Early Work=====
=====Social Structure=====
In his [[Jacques Lacan:Bibliography|early work]], [[Lacan]] uses the term "[[structure]]" to refer to "[[structure|social structures]]" by which he means a specific set of [[affect]]ive relations between [[family]] members.
When =====Family Complexes=====The [[Lacanchild]] uses perceives these relations much more profoundly than the term "structure" [[adult]], and [[introjection|internalizes]] [[them]] in his early work of the 1930s, it is to refer to "social structures," by which he means a specific set of affective relations between family members[[complex]].<ref>{{Ec}} p.89</ref>.
=====Nature of the Psyche=====The child perceives these relations much more profoundly than term serves as a peg upon which [[Lacan]] can hang his own views of the adult"[[structure|relational]]" [[nature]] of the [[psyche]], and internalises them in opposition to the atomistic theories then current in [[complexpsychology]].<ref>{{Ec1936}} p.89</ref>.
The =====Inter- and Intra- subjectivity=====From this point on, the term serves as a peg upon which "[[Lacanstructure]] can hang his own views of the "relational" nature retains this [[sense]] of the psychesomething both '''[[intersubjectivity|intersubjective]]''' and '''[[intersubjectivity|intrasubjective]]''', in opposition to the atomistic theories then current in '''[[internal]] [[psychologyrepresentation]]of [[intersubjectivity|interpersonal relations]]'''.<ref>Lacan, 1936</ref>
From this This remains a key point throughout [[Lacan]]'s [[Jacques Lacan:Bibliography|work]], in which the emphasis on, [[structure]] is a constant reminder that what determines the term [[subject]] is not some supposed "structure[[essence]]" retains this sense of something both but simply his [[intersubjectiveposition]]with respect to other [[subject] ]s and intrasubjective, the internal other [[representationsignifier]] of interpersonal relationss.
This remains a key point throughout Already in 1938, we find [[Lacan's work, in which ]] arguing that "the emphasis on most notable defect of [[analytic]] [[doctrine]]" at that [[time]] was that it tended "to ignore structure is in favour of a constant reminder that what determines the subject is not some supposed 'essence' but simply his position with respect to other subjects and other signifiers[[dynamic]] approach."<ref>{{1938}} p. 58</ref>
Already in 1938, we find Lacan arguing that 'This anticipates his later emphasis on the [[symbolic order]] as the most notable defect realm of analytic doctrine' at that time was that it tended "to ignore [[structure ]] which [[analyst]]s have ignored in favour of a dynamic approachthe [[imaginary]]; "[[social]] structures are [[symbolic]]."<ref>Lacan, 1938: 58{{Ec}} p. 132</ref>
This anticipates =====Structural Linguistics=====In the mid-1950s, when [[Lacan]] begins to reformulate his later emphasis on [[ideas]] in [[terms]] borrowed from [[Saussure]]an [[Saussure|structural linguistics]], the symbolic order as the realm of term "[[structure which analysts have ignored in favour ]]" comes to be increasingly associated with [[Saussure]]'s [[model]] of the imaginary; 'social structures are symbolic."<ref>{{Ec}} p[[language]].132</ref>
---[[Saussure]] [[analyzed]] [[language]] (''[[language|la langue]]'') as a [[system]] in which there are no positive terms, only differences.<ref>[[Ferdinand de Saussure|Saussure, Ferdinand de]]. 1916: 120</ref>
In It is this [[concept]] of a system in which each unit is constituted purely by virtue of its differences from the mid-1950s, when Lacan begins other units which comes to reformulate his ideas in terms borrowed from Saussurean structural linguistics, constitute the core [[meaning]] of the term '"[[structure' comes to be increasingly associated with Saussure]]" in [[Lacan]]'s model of [[language{{LB}}|work]]from this point on.
Saussure analysed language ([[Language]] is the paradigmatic [[structure]], and [[Lacan]]''la langue'') as s famous dictum, "the unconscious is structured like a system in which there are no positive termslanguage", only differencesis therefore tautologous, since "to be structured" and "to be like a language" mean the same [[thing]].<ref>Saussure, 1916: 120</ref>
It is this concept of a system in which each unit is constituted purely =====Claude Lévi-Strauss==========Structuralist Movement==========Structuralist Approach=====[[Saussure]]'s structural approach to [[linguistic]]s was developed further by [[Roman Jakobson]], who developed [[phoneme]] [[theory]]; [[Jakobson]]'s [[work]] was then taken up by virtue of its differences from the other units which comes to constitute the core meaning of [[French]] anthropologist, [[Claude Lévi-Strauss]], who used the term '[[structure' in Lacan's work from this point on|structural phonemic model]] to analyze non-linguistic [[cultural]] data such as [[anthropology|kinship relations]] and [[myth]].
Language is This application of [[structure|structural analysis]] to [[anthropology]] launched the paradigmatic [[structure, and Lacan's famous dictum, '|structuralist movement]] by showing how the unconscious is structured like a language', is therefore tautologous, since 'to [[Saussure]]an concept of [[structure]] could be structured' and 'applied to be like a an [[object]] of enquiry other than [[language' mean the same thing]].
---[[Lacan]] was heavily influenced by all three of these thinkers, and in this sense he can be seen as part of the [[structure|structuralist movement]].
Saussure's structural approach However, [[Lacan]] prefers to linguistics was developed further by Roman Jakobsondissociate himself from this movement, who developed phoneme theory; Jakobson's work was then taken up by arguing that his approach differs in important ways from the French anthropologist, Claude LÈvi-Strauss, who used the structural phonemic model to analyse non-linguistic cultural data such as kinship relations and myth[[structure|structuralist approach]].<ref>{{S20}} p. 93</ref>
This application of structural analysis =====Mathematics=====Alongside the references to anthropology launched [[language]], [[Lacan]] also refers the structuralist movement by showing how the Saussurean concept of [[structure could be applied ]] to an object of enquiry other than language[[mathematics]], principally to [[mathematics|set theory]] and [[topology]].
Lacan was heavily influenced by all three of these thinkersIn 1956, for example, and he states that "a structure is in this sense he can be seen as part the first [[place]] a group of the structuralist movementelements forming a covariant set."<ref>{{S3}} p. 183</ref>
However=====Topology=====Two years later he again [[links]] the concept of [[structure]] with [[mathematics|mathematical set theory]], Lacan prefers and adds a reference to dissociate himself from this movement, arguing that his approach differs in important ways from the structuralist approach[[topology]].<ref>{{S20Ec}} p.93648-9</ref>).
---By the 1970s, [[topology]] has replaced [[language]] as the principal paradigm of [[structure]] for [[Lacan]].
Alongside the references to language, Lacan also refers the concept of structure to He now argues that [[topology]] is not a mere [[metaphor]] for [[mathematicsstructure]], principally to set theory and ; it is that [[topologystructure]]itself.<ref>{{L}} 1973b</ref>
In 1956=====Surface and Depth=====The concept of [[structure]] is often taken to imply an opposition between surface and depth, for example, he states that between directly observable phenomena and "deep structures"a structure is in which are not the first place a group object of elements forming a covariant set."<ref>{{S3}} pimmediate [[experience]].183</ref>
Two years later he again links Such would seem to be the concept of opposition implied in the [[distinction]] [[Lacan]] draws between [[symptoms]] (surface) and [[structure with mathematical set theory, and adds a reference to topology.<ref>{{Ec}} p.648-9</ref>]]s (depth).
By the 1970sHowever, topology has replaced language as [[Lacan]] does not in fact agree that such an opposition is implicit in the principal paradigm concept of [[structure for Lacan]].<ref>{{Ec}} p. 649</ref>
He now argues On the one hand, he rejects the concept of "directly observable phenomena", arguing that topology observation is not a mere metaphor for structure; it is that structure itselfalways already [[theoretical]].<ref>Lacan, 1973b</ref>
---On the other hand, he also rejects the [[idea]] that [[structure]]s are somehow "deep" or distant from experience, arguing that they are [[present]] in the field of experience itself; the [[unconscious]] is on the surface, and [[looking]] for it in "the depths" is to miss it.
The concept As with many other binary oppositions, the model [[Lacan]] prefers is that of the [[moebius strip]]; just as the two sides of the [[strip]] are in fact continuous, so [[structure ]] is often taken to imply an opposition between surface and depth, between directly observable continuous with phenomena and 'deep structures' which are not the object of immediate experience.
Such would seem to be the opposition implied in the =====Structural Position=====The most important feature of [[structure|structural analysis]] is not, then, any supposed distinction Lacan draws between [[symptomsstructure|surface]] (surface) and structures ([[structure|depth)]], but, as [[Lévi-Strauss]] shows in his [[structure|structural analysis]] of [[myth]], the discovery of fixed relations between loci which are themselves empty. <ref>[[Lévi-Strauss]] 1955</ref>
HoweverIn other [[words]], Lacan does not in fact agree that such an opposition is implicit whatever elements may be placed in the concept of positions specified by a given [[structure]], the relations between the positions themselves remain the same.<ref>{{Ec}} p.649</ref>
On Thus the one handelements interact not on the basis of any inherent or intrinsic properties they possess, he rejects but simply on the concept basis of 'directly observable phenomena', arguing that observation is always already theoreticalthe positions which they occupy in the [[structure]].
On the ====="Clinical Structures"=====In line with many other hand[[psychoanalyst]]s, he also rejects the idea that structures are somehow 'deep' or distant from experience, arguing that they are present in the field of experience itself[[Lacan]] distinguishes three principal nosographic [[categories]]; the unconscious is on the surface[[neurosis]], [[psychosis]] and looking for it in 'the depths' is to miss it[[perversion]].
As with many other binary oppositions, His originality lies in the model fact that he regards these categories as [[structure]]s rather than simply as collections of [[symptom]]s.<ref>(N.B. [[Lacan ]] prefers to [[speak]] in terms of "[[structure|Freudian structures]]" rather than "[[structure|clinical structures]]", but the latter term is that of the moebius strip; just as one which predominates in the two sides writings of the strip are in fact continuous, so structure is continuous with phenomena[[Lacan]]ian [[psychoanalyst]]s today.)</ref>
---=====[[Lacan]]ian Nosography=====[[Lacan]]ian nosography is a categorical classification system based on a discrete series, rather than a dimensional system based on a continuum.
The most important feature of structural analysis is not, then, any supposed distinction between surface three major [[structure|clinical structures]] are therefore mutually exclusive; a [[subject]] cannot be both [[neurotic]] and depth, but, as LÈvi-Strauss shows in his structural analysis of myth, the discovery of fixed relations between loci which are themselves empty.<ref>[[Lévi-Strausspsychotic]] 1955</ref> , for example.
In other words, whatever elements may be placed in The three major [[structure|clinical structures]] together constitute all the three possible positions specified by a given structure, of the relations between [[subject]] in relation to the positions themselves remain the same[[Other]]; every [[subject]] encountered in [[psychoanalytic treatment]] can therefore be diagnosed as either [[neurotic]], or [[psychotic]], or [[perverse]].
Thus Each [[structure]] is distinguished by a different operation: [[neurosis]] by the elements interact not on operation of [[repression]], [[perversion]] by the basis operation of any inherent or intrinsic properties they possess[[disavowal]], but simply on and [[psychosis]] by the basis operation of the positions which they occupy in the structure[[foreclosure]].
---[[Lacan]] follows [[Freud]] in arguing that the classical method of [[psychoanalytic treatment]] (involving [[free association]] and the use of the couch) is only appropriate for [[neurotic]] [[subject]]s and [[perverse]] [[subject]]s, and not for [[psychotic]]s.
In line with many other psychoanalysts, Lacan distinguishes three principal nosographic categories; Thus when [[Lacanian]] [[neurosisanalyst]], s work with psychotic [[psychosispatients]] and , they use a substantially modified method of [[perversiontreatment]].
His originality lies =====Critical Period Hypothesis=====One of the most fundamental axioms of [[psychoanalysis]] is that the [[subject]]'s [[structure|clinical structure]] is determined by his experiences in the fact that he regards these categories as structures rather than simply as collections first years of symptoms[[life]].
(N.B. Lacan prefers to speak in terms of 'Freudian structures' rather than 'clinical structures'In this sense, but [[psychoanalysis]] is based on a "critical period hypothesis"; the latter term is first years of life are the one critical period in which predominates in the writings of Lacanian psychoanalysts today[[subject]]'s [[structure]] is determined.)
---Although it is not clear how long this critical period lasts, it is held that after this critical period the [[clinical]] structure is fixed for ever and cannot be changed.
Lacanian nosography is a categorical classification system based on a discrete seriesNeither [[psychoanalytic treatment]] nor anything else can, for example, rather than turn a dimensional system based on [[psychotic]] into a continuum[[neurotic]].
The Within each of the three major [[clinical structures are therefore mutually exclusive; a subject cannot be both neurotic and psychotic, for examplestructure]]s [[Lacan]] distinguishes various subdivisions.
The three major For example within the [[clinical structures together constitute all structure]] of [[neurosis]], he distinguishes two kinds of [[neurosis]] ([[obsessional neurosis]] and [[hysteria]]), and within the three possible positions [[clinical structure]] of the subject in relation to the Other; every subject encountered in psychoanalytic treatment can therefore be diagnosed as either neurotic, or psychotic[[psychosis]] he distinguishes between [[paranoia]], or perverse[[schizophrenia]] and [[manic-depressive]] [[psychosis]].
Each structure is distinguished by a different operation: neurosis by the operation of repression, perversion by the operation of disavowal, and psychosis by the operation of foreclosure. ==See Also=={{See}}* [[Complex]]* [[Intersubjectivity]]||* [[Language]]* [[Linguistics]]||* [[Mathematics]]* [[Neurosis]]||* [[Psychoanalysis]]* [[Psychosis]]||* [[Subject]]* [[Symptom]]||* [[Topology]]* [[Treatment]]{{Also}}
Lacan follows Freud in arguing that the classical method of psychoanalytic treatment (involving free association and the use of the couch) is only appropriate for neurotic subjects and perverse subjects, and not for psychotics. Thus when Lacanian analysts work with psychotic patients, they use a substantially modified method of treatment. --- One of the most fundamental axioms of psychoanalysis is that the subject's clinical structure is determined by his experiences in the nrst years of life. In this sense, psychoanalysis is based on a 'critical period hypothesis'; the first years of life are the critical period in which the subject's structure is determined. Although it is not clear how long this critical period lasts, it is held that after this critical period the clinical structure is fixed for ever and cannot be changed. Neither psychoanalytic treatment nor anything else can, for example, turn a psychotic into a neurotic. Within each of the three major clinical structures Lacan distinguishes various subdivisions. For example within the clinical structure of neurosis, he distinguishes two kinds of neurosis (obsessional neurosis and hysteria), and within the clinical structure of psychosis he distinguishes between paranoia, schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychosis. == References ==<div style="font-size:11px" class="references-small">
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