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Psyche

Dr. Richard Boothby: On The Subject of Love

Oct 13, 2023
Dr. Richard Boothby invites Mari Ruti and Alain Badiou to discuss Freud and Lacan's views on love. They explore narcissism in relationships, the processes of mourning and melancholia, and the interplay of love and narcissism. They also delve into Freud's death drive and its connection to love, as well as Lacan's concept of Dostin. Lastly, they explore love as a transformative experience and Badu's ontological challenge of love.
01:13:47

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Love involves encountering the unknown in the other person and serves as an opportunity for growth and transformation.
  • Polyamory may pose challenges to achieving the deep engagement with the unconscious required for valuable love relationships.

Deep dives

Love as a Challenge to the Ego

Love, according to Lacan and Badu, is not about bolstering our ego or finding a reflection of ourselves in the other. It goes beyond narcissism and involves encountering the unknown in the other person. Falling in love means being drawn to something you don't fully understand or control, a mysterious element that exists in the unconscious. This kind of love is not about two egos fusing into one, but about two individuals coming together while remaining separate. It challenges us to confront repressed aspects of ourselves and serves as an opportunity for growth and transformation. It may not always be easy, but it can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and a more authentic connection with another person.

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