Peter Mathews, author of Lacan The Charlatan, discusses Lacan's critics and their various approaches. The podcast explores Lacan's work, the lack of consensus among scholars, the critique of SoCal and Breitmalt, the critiques and defenses of Enlightenment, the hidden motives behind university discourse, the strategies of Brickman and Socrates, and the absence of genuine critique.
Lacan's fraudulent master persona serves to open our eyes to the deceptive nature of authority.
Peter D Matthews' book 'Lacon, the Charlottin' offers a critical exploration of Lacan's ideas, emphasizing his struggle with linguistic theories.
So-called intellectual impostures by So-Call and Brighmalt lack depth in their critique of Lacan, ignoring genuine critiques offered by other scholars.
Deep dives
Lacan's Double Game
Lacan's work represents a double game, attracting both philosophers and psychoanalysts with his guarantee of being a master in both fields. He is seen as both a charlatan and a meta-charlatan, revealing the deceitfulness of authority. Lacan's intention was not just to trick others, but to expose the bluff behind authority. His use of self-reflection and imitation of the voice of the master challenges traditional concepts of mastery. Lacan's fraudulent master persona serves to open our eyes to the deceptive nature of authority.
The Autobiographical Book on Lacan
Peter D Matthews' book 'Lacon, the Charlottin' offers a personal and critical exploration of Lacan's ideas. Initially obsessed with Lacan during his student years, Matthews had a sabbatical and decided to write his book. The book delves into the concept of mutual misunderstanding and presents a mix of theoretical points, critique, and biographical details. Matthews emphasizes Lacan's struggle with linguistic theories and how he evolves from structuralist ideas to collapsing the opposition between the symbolic and the real. Matthews also examines the critics of Lacan who fail to engage in a genuine critique of his ideas.
So-Called Intellectual Impostures
So-called intellectual impostures by So-Call and Brighmalt attempts to critique postmodern thinkers, including Lacan, as charlatans with no substance. Their book claims a consensus among Lacan's followers about the importance of the mathematical formulas used by Lacan, portraying them as meaningless wordplay. However, the book's arguments lack depth and fail to engage with the complexities of Lacan's work. So-Call and Brighmalt's defense of enlightenment ideals is questionable, as their understanding of key enlightenment thinkers like Spinoza and Kant is limited. Their critique of Lacan is superficial, disregarding the genuine critique offered by other scholars.
Lacan's Fascination with Mathematics
Lacan's engagement with mathematics, particularly his use of mathematical formulas like the L-schema and the formulas of fantasy, has puzzled critics. Some interpret his attempt to create a formal language of psychoanalysis as an exploration of rational power grounded in paradox. Lacan is intrigued by mathematics' irrefutable power and the logical yet inexplicable nature of its formulas. However, beyond the four discourses, the significance of the mathematical elements in Lacan's work remains unclear and open to interpretation.
Divisions and Turf Fights within Lacanian Discourse
Debates and divisions within Lacanian discourse can be intense and polarizing. Some followers embrace Lacan's later work, while others align with his earlier middle period. These divisions also extend to the influence of Jacques-Alain Miller, with some Lacanians supporting his ideas and others rejecting them. Oliver Harris notes Lacan's shifting identification from Socrates to Plato, as he becomes more entwined with the institution of psychoanalysis. The divisions within Lacanian discourse reflect different interpretations and perspectives on Lacan's ideas, ranging from deep engagement to dismissive critique.
Peter Mathews, author of Lacan The Charlatan, part of the Palgrave Lacan Series joined us to discuss some of his critics and their various approaches towards the enigmatic psychoanalyst.
Lacan Lecture referenced in episode: https://youtu.be/w1PmWy4aSaQ
Peter's Links: https://www.pdmathews.com/
https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783030452032
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