Difference between revisions of "Mathematics"
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| + | ==Two Approaches - Linguistic and Mathematical== | ||
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| + | In his attempt to theorize the category of the [[symbolic]], [[Lacan]] adopts two basis approaches. | ||
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| + | # The first approach is to describe it in terms borrowed from [[linguistics]]], using a [[Saussurean-inspired model of [[language]] as a system of [[signifiers]]. | ||
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| + | # The second approach is to describe it in terms borrowed from [[mathematics]]. | ||
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| + | The two approaches are complementary, since both are attempts to describe formal systems with precise rules, and both demonstrate the power of the [[signifier]]. | ||
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| + | ===Mathematical Approach=== | ||
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| + | Although there is a general shift in [[Lacan]]'s work from the [[linguistic]] approach which predominates in the 1950s to a [[mathematical]] approach which predominates in the 1970s, there are traces of the [[mathematical]] approach as early as the 1940s. | ||
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| + | The branches of [[mathematics]] which [[Lacan]] uses most are [[algebra]] and [[topology]], although there are also incursions into set theory and number theory.<ref>{{E}} p.316-18</ref> | ||
Revision as of 18:55, 30 July 2006
Two Approaches - Linguistic and Mathematical
In his attempt to theorize the category of the symbolic, Lacan adopts two basis approaches.
- The first approach is to describe it in terms borrowed from linguistics], using a [[Saussurean-inspired model of language as a system of signifiers.
- The second approach is to describe it in terms borrowed from mathematics.
The two approaches are complementary, since both are attempts to describe formal systems with precise rules, and both demonstrate the power of the signifier.
Mathematical Approach
Although there is a general shift in Lacan's work from the linguistic approach which predominates in the 1950s to a mathematical approach which predominates in the 1970s, there are traces of the mathematical approach as early as the 1940s.
The branches of mathematics which Lacan uses most are algebra and topology, although there are also incursions into set theory and number theory.[1]
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. Trans. Alan Sheridan. London: Tavistock Publications, 1977. p.316-18
