Why Theory Lacan's Seminar 19: ...or Worse
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Nov 23, 2025 The discussion delves into Lacan's intriguing Seminar XIX, particularly his focus on the concept of 'non-relation.' The hosts explore how psychoanalytic discourse navigates semblance to form vital social bonds. They analyze Lacan's evolving views on mathematics and its implications for understanding the real, while contrasting it with Žižek's insights. Additionally, the conversation touches on set theory, the transition from subjectivity, and the tension between ideology and Lacan's later formalism. A captivating link to film is made, illustrating these complex themes.
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Non-Relation Overtakes The Signifying Chain
- Lacan's Seminar 19 marks a shift toward treating non-relation as central, moving away from the signifying chain.
- The move reframes psychoanalytic discourse and foregrounds the necessity of semblance for social bond formation.
Semblance Is Required For Social Bond
- Lacan insists that if a discourse lacks semblance entirely, it cannot form a social bond and is 'worse'.
- Even analytic discourse must pass through semblance to reach truth, so semblance remains necessary.
Borromean Knots Replace The Chain
- Lacan later claims he always implied Borromean knot logic in the signifying chain, but Todd reads this as a genuine break.
- The Borromean knot replaces chain metaphors, fragmenting the earlier theory of a continuous signifying sequence.
