New Books in Psychology

Todd McGowan, "The Cambridge Introduction to Jacques Lacan" (Cambridge UP, 2025)

11 snips
Sep 29, 2025
Todd McGowan, a Professor of theory and film at the University of Vermont and an expert on psychoanalysis, chats about his book on Jacques Lacan, aiming to demystify Lacan's complex ideas. He explains Lacan's notion of the unconscious and its crucial role in subjectivity. Todd critiques Lacan's later shift towards solipsism and connects Lacan's concepts to contemporary capitalism and consumer culture. The discussion also explores maternal subjectivity and how cultural dynamics shape desire, making Lacan's thought relevant in today's psychological landscape.
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ANECDOTE

Why The Book Was Finished Alone

  • Todd McGowan agreed to coauthor the book after persistent prompting from Mari Ruti.
  • Ruti died before finishing her part, so McGowan completed the book alone in her memory.
ADVICE

Make Theory Accessible, Not Esoteric

  • Avoid inventing inaccessible jargon when teaching complex theory; translate specialized terms where possible.
  • Make theory accessible to a broader audience to prevent exclusionary in-group dynamics.
INSIGHT

Translate Lacan, Don't Mystify Him

  • McGowan rejects Lacan's intentional obscurity and strives to translate Lacanian ideas into clear language.
  • He argues clarity democratizes theory and avoids creating in-groups around jargon.
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