Introduction
Host Introduction
The event takes place at Connor Scotland, a venue known for its intellectual discourse and cultural events. Host Caitlin welcomes Todd, a renowned figure in the field of psychoanalysis, highlighting his impressive credentials:
Noted Lacanian scholar: Todd has extensively studied and contributed to Lacanian thought, engaging with complex theories about desire and the self.
Extensive writings on Hegel and Kant: His work includes critical interpretations of key philosophical figures, showcasing his ability to synthesize psychoanalytic theory with philosophical ideas.
Prolific author: Todd has published multiple books, adding significant contributions to psychoanalytic literature, with a robust body of work that explores the nuances of human psychology.
Recent Publications: Notably, two of his books were released in the previous year, which delve deeper into Lacan’s theories and their applications in contemporary thought.
Central Concept in Lacanian Theory: Object a
Presentation Overview
Todd introduces the concept of "object a" (or "object petit a"), a critical idea in Lacanian theory that relates to human desire and the structure of psychological experience.
Lacan's Explanation of Object a
Todd shares a humorous anecdote from Lacan that illustrates the elusiveness of the concept: A woman requests Lacan to clarify object a, to which he astutely responds that he cannot provide a clear explanation but must instead demonstrate it through experience. This encounter emphasizes the idea that some concepts in psychoanalysis resist straightforward verbal elucidation.
Significance of Object a
Object a (/object petit a/) serves as a foundational element in understanding human desire:
Initially referred to by Lacan as "plus-de-jouir," translated as surplus enjoyment. This term captures the essence that desire is always seeking more than mere satisfaction.
Lacan perceived object a as a singular point that motivates desire, highlighting its importance in the psyche.
The reluctance to fully translate the term underscores its complexity and the challenges inherent in grasping its implications.
Core Understanding of Object a
Role of Object a
Object a is distinct from tangible objects in that it embodies an absence, acting as a provocative force:
It incites the subject's desire for objects by creating a sense of longing or incompleteness.
Structure of Desire: The engagement with desire involves three components:
Subject: The individual that experiences desire.
Desirous Object: The concrete target or representation of desire.
Object a: Represents a barrier to direct access, making the desire for the object more intense.
Object a imparts an extraordinary quality to everyday items, making them more desirable through their relationship to absence.
Example: The Ending of "Citizen Kane"
In the conclusion of this classic film, objects tossed into a fire symbolize unattainable desires that lack the essence provided by object a, illustrating the interplay of desire and loss.
Function of Object a in Desire
Object a establishes barriers that amplify the appeal of objects, as this obstacle enhances their desirability:
Gifts: Wrapped gifts are more desirable, with the wrapping paper acting as a symbol of object a.
Anticipation: The presence of obstacles or barriers intensifies the excitement and longing associated with desire.
Personal Anecdotes: Todd shares experiences, such as relishing a cherished drink, to portray how object a functions through limitation and absence.
Object a's Ambivalence
Object a can originate from defects or perceived imperfections, altering allure:
Example: A physical blemish, like a mole, may make a person's face more appealing due to the depth it adds to their identity.
Baldness: This can similarly generate desire rooted in perceived flaws, indicating how absence can enhance appeal.
Key Insight: Direct access to objects can diminish desire; barriers add complexity and allure, making object a the subtle imperfection that enhances desirability.
Representation and Perception
Distortion of Perception
Object a alters how individuals perceive their surroundings; desire distorts direct perception:
Example of Lacan's Sardine Can Incident: This reflects personal feelings of inadequacy, representing the essence of desire intertwined with distortion in self-perception.
Object a serves as a perceptual lens through which individuals interpret others and reality, affecting relationships and self-image.
Lacan's Claim: The absence produced by object a is fundamental to both perception and desire, indicating that what is missing shapes our understanding of the world.
Analytical Perspective: Encountering Object a in Cinema
Cinema as a Medium
Todd posits that cinema offers a unique platform to reflect and explore the complexities of object a:
Watching films often leads viewers to confront their own desires unexpectedly.
Example: The ending of "Silence of the Lambs" immerses viewers in a morally ambiguous scenario, unveiling unconscious desires and challenging personal ethics.
Relation to Freud and Hegel
Lacan's concept of object a draws influence from Freud's ideas regarding partial objects, accentuating their role in the dynamics of desire:
His approach shifts the focus from recognition to an understanding of alienation and the ineffable elements of desire.
Kojève's Influence: The master/slave dialectic introduced by Kojève adds depth to Lacan's exploration of desire, focusing on what is absent or unrecognized in relationships.
Final Concepts and Implications
The Non-Specularity of Object a
Unlike the mirror stage, which creates a sense of self through reflection, object a signifies the unseen elements of desire, generating feelings of disconnection:
It holds a crucial role in shaping the subject’s perception and interactions with others.
A critical aspect of psychoanalysis, object a helps dissect the complex dynamics of human relationships.
Lacan’s exploration of object a evolves through his seminars, emphasizing that it cannot be fully defined or encapsulated; its value lies in what it signifies and produces.
Conclusion
Importance of Authenticity in Art
Todd underlines how authentic cinema can unveil deeper desires in viewers, facilitating transformative insights into personal and universal identities.
The engagement with contemporary films, such as "The Menu" and "Don't Worry Darling," illustrates how cinematic experiences can reflect and challenge one's understanding of self and desire, culminating in meaningful discussions that resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
