Intersubjectivity, Otherness and the (Irreducible) Position of analyst

Despite its imaginary aspects, such as reciprocity, mutuality, and symmetry, the notion of intersubjectivity-extensively explored by Edmund Husserl in phenomenology- represents an attempt to grapple with the question of the other for the subject and the nature of otherness in subjective experience. It unveils an alienated dimension within subjectivity that resists complete assimilation into or reduction to a self-centered framework. Lacan situates the fundamental role of speech and language within this field, emphasizing the intersubjective nature of speech and the transindividual character of the unconscious. While Lacan critiques this notion for its ties to the imaginary in the 1960s, he nevertheless maintains that the irreducible dimension of otherness remains crucial. In Lacanian psychoanalysis, otherness is not confined to the structural field of language but is brought into the analytic process through the desire of analysis. It is the analyst’s desire that instills a radical otherness into the analysis, thereby echoing Freud’s assertion that self-analysis is impossible.

This seminar, conducted in Chinese, will approach the topic by first engaging with Husserl’s work to examine how the question of the other is articulated. We will then explore Lacan’s writings, which demonstrate that the field of otherness is necessary for the subject—not only experientially and structurally but also logically. Finally, we will focus on the clinical implications of these ideas, particularly the position of the analyst and the role of the analyst’s desire in the analytic process.

This Chinese speaking seminar will be grounded in the study of key literature, though dedicated reading time will be limited. The majority of our sessions will consist of my commentary on the texts, accompanied by lectures exploring the central themes and ideas they address. Seminar participants will be encouraged to engage deeply through open-ended discussions.

Readings:

Lacan, J.  “The Function and Field of Speech and Language in Psychoanalysis” Écrits, (2001). Trans. Bruce Fink. New York: Norton.

Lacan, J.  “Logical Time and the Assertion of Anticipated Certainty” Écrits, (2006). Trans. Bruce Fink. New York: Norton.

Husserl, E. “Fifth Meditation. Uncovering of the Sphere of Transcendental Being as Monadological Intersubjectivity” Cartesian Meditations: an Introduction to Phenomenology, (1982). Trans. Dorion Cairns. The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.

Laplanche, J.  “Transference: its Provocation by the Analyst” Essays on Otherness, (1999). Trans. Luke Thurston. London and New York: Routledge.

Neill, C. “Breaking the text: An Introduction to Lacanian discourse analysis.” Theory & Psychology 23.3 (2013): 334-350.

Fink, B.  “Desire in Analysis” A clinical introduction to Lacanian psychoanalysis: Theory and technique Harvard University Press, 1999.

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Dates and times: 8:30–11:00am, the fourth Saturday of every month (Beijing Time), September to April; no sessions in February.

Fee: 2000 Yuan (RMB) / US $300 or School Tuition.

Contact: immanuelliu006@gmail.com.