Towards a Lacanian methodology for analyzing extra-analytic textual material.
Date
2011-04-14
Authors
Apteker, R. L.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This research report presents a pilot study exploring the possibility of applying a Lacanian
clinical methodology for analyzing unconscious dynamics in extra-analytic material. This
research initially investigates the legitimacy and utility of this endeavour, followed by
immersion in Lacanian thinking and the subsequent selection of potentially relevant data sets;
samples of extra-analytic textual material. As this stage a recursive interaction between
reading Lacanian theory and reflecting on the text is enacted. Five Lacanian concepts are
identified (mirror phase, the three orders of the imaginary, the symbolic and the real, as well
as the paternal agency). Although these concepts are, in process inextricable from another,
they are presented as though discrete entities given that this allows for the foregrounding of
different aspects in the process. The interaction between these concepts is considered with
respect to Lacan‟s requirement in clinical practice of a tentative preliminary diagnosis of the
patient into one of three diagnostic categories; perversion, neurosis and psychosis.
Consequently, in a step that mirrors the clinical process, the textual subject of the data sets is
tentatively classified as a (Lacanian) psychotic whose characteristic psychic structure is
constituted out of foreclosure. Ways of discerning this structure in textual matter outside of
the analytic setting are then considered. Four ways are proposed here. These are the unified or
unbounded use of personal pronouns; evidence of thinking towards resolution or
disintegration; denial or tolerance of difference and fourthly, the manifestation of regressive
or libidinal speech actions. These four provide the basis for approaching the analysis of the
selected data sets, which consist of carefully selected instances of Jacob Zuma‟s ostensibly
unscripted public utterances. It is proposed that the four ways identified can be used in the
analysis of other extra-analytic material.
Description
Keywords
Lacan, Lacanian, Mirror phase, Imaginary order, Symbolic order, Order of the real, Paternal agency, Paternal metaphor, Lacanian psychotic, Foreclosure