Difference between revisions of "Talk:Pleasure principle"
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| − | + | ==Freudian Dictionary== | |
| + | <blockquote>In the psycho-analytical theory of the mind we take it for granted that the course of mental processes is automatically regulated by "the pleasure-principle": that is to say, we believe that any given process originates in an unpleasant state of tension and thereupon determines for itself such a path that its ultimate issue coincides with a relaxation of this tension, i.e. with avoidance of "pain" or with production of pleasure.<ref>{{BPP}} Ch. 1</ref></blockquote> | ||
| − | + | <blockquote>The pleasure-principle is a tendency which subserves a certain function-namely, that of rendering the psychic apparatus as a whole free from any excitation, or to keep the amount of excitation constant or as low as possible.<ref>{{BPP}} Ch. 7</ref></blockquote> | |
| − | + | <blockquote>The pleasure-pain principle is brought into action in response to the danger-signal, and plays a part in repression . . . . This principle has unrestricted sway over the processes in the id.<ref>{{NILP}} Ch. 4</ref></blockquote> | |
| − | + | {{Freudian Dictionary}} | |
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| − | + | ==below== | |
| − | + | "[[pleasure principle]]" ([[Fr]]. ''[[principe de plaisir]]'') | |
| − | + | Even when [[Lacan]] uses the word "[[pleasure]]" on its own, he is always referring to the [[pleasure principle|pleasure ''principle'']], and never to a sensation. | |
| − | + | -- | |
| − | + | The [[pleasure principle]] is one of the "two principles of mental functioning" posted by [[Freud]] in his metapsychological writings (the other being the [[reality principle]]). | |
| − | + | The [[pleasure principle]] aims exclusively at avoiding [[unpleasure]] and obtaining [[pleasure]]. | |
| − | + | -- | |
| − | + | [[Lacan]]'s first extended discussion of the [[pleasure principle]] appears in the [[seminar]] of 1954-5. | |
| − | + | Here [[Lacan]] compares the [[pleasure principle]] to a homeostatic device that aims at maintaining excitation at the lowest function level.<ref>{{S2}} p.79-80</ref> | |
| − | + | This accords with [[Freud]]'s thesis that [[unpleasure]] is related to the increase of quantities of excitation, and [[pleasure]] to their reduction. | |
| − | + | [[Lacan]] opposes the [[pleasure principle]], which he dubs the "restitutive tendency," to the [[death drive]] (the "repetitive tendency"), in accordance with [[Freud]]'s view that the [[death drive]] is "beyond the pleasure principle."<ref>{{S2}} p.79-80</ref> | |
| − | + | -- | |
| − | + | In 1960, [[Lacan]] develops what soon comes to be an important concept in his work; the idea of an opposition between [[pleasure]] and ''[[jouissance]]''. | |
| − | + | ''[[Jouissance]]'' is now defined as an excessive quantity of excitation which the [[pleasure principle]] attempts to prevent. | |
| − | + | The [[pleasure principle]] is thus seen as a [[symbolic]] [[law]], a commandment which can be phrased "Enjoy as little as possible" (which is why [[Freud]] originally called it the ''unpleasure'' principle).<ref>[[Freud|Freud, Sigmund]]. SE V. 1900a. p.574</ref> | |
| − | + | [[Pleasure]] is the safeguard of a state of homeostasis and constancy which ''[[jouissance]]'' constantly threatens to disrupt and [[trauma]]tize. | |
| − | + | <blockquote>The function of the pleasure principle is, in effect, to lead the subject from signifier to signifier, by generating as amny signifiers as are required to maintain at as low a level as possible the tension that regulates the whole functioning of the psychic apparatus.<ref>{{S7}} p.119</ref></blockquote> | |
| − | + | Put another way, the [[pleasure principle]] is the [[prohibition]] on [[incest]], "that which regulates the distance between the subject and ''das Ding."<ref>{{S7}} p.69</ref> | |
| − | pleasure principle, it follows that every drive is a [[ | + | When the [[subject]] transgresses this prohibition, gets too near to the [[Thing]], then he suffers. |
| + | |||
| + | Since it is the drives which permit the subject to transgress the pleasure principle, it follows that every drive is a death drive. | ||
| + | |||
| + | -- | ||
| + | |||
| + | Since the pleasure principle is related to prohibition, to the law, and to regulation, it is clearly on the side of the symbolic, whereas ''jouissance'' is on the side of the [[real]]. | ||
| − | + | The pleasure principle is thus "nothing else than the dominance of the signifier."<ref>{{S7}} p.134</ref> | |
| + | |||
| + | This involves Lacan in a paradox, since the symbolic is also the realm of the [[repetition compulsion]], which is, in [[Freud]]'s terms, precisely that which goes ''beyond'' the pleasure principle. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Indeed, some of Lacan's descriptions of the pleasure principle make it sound almost identical to the repetition compulsion. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | <blockquote>"The function of the pleasure principle is to make man always search for what he has to find again, but which he will never attain."<ref>{{S7}} p.68</ref></blockquote> | ||
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Also, the pleasure principle refers to the prohibition of incest, “that which regulates the distance between the subect and das Ding.” When the subject transgresses this prohibition, gets too near to the Thing, then he suffers. Since it is the drives which permit the subject to transgress the pleasure principle, it follows that every drive is a death drive. Since the pleasure principle is related to prohibition, to the law, and to regulation, it is clearly on the side of the symbolic, whereas jouissance is on the side of the real. | Also, the pleasure principle refers to the prohibition of incest, “that which regulates the distance between the subect and das Ding.” When the subject transgresses this prohibition, gets too near to the Thing, then he suffers. Since it is the drives which permit the subject to transgress the pleasure principle, it follows that every drive is a death drive. Since the pleasure principle is related to prohibition, to the law, and to regulation, it is clearly on the side of the symbolic, whereas jouissance is on the side of the real. | ||
| − | == References == | + | |
| + | |||
| + | ----------------- | ||
| + | |||
| + | In psychoanalysis, the demand that an instinctive need (usually sexual or aggressive) be gratified, regardless of the social or practical consequences. Sigmund Freud held that the id was dominated totally by the pleasure principle, but that, with the development of the ego and superego, individuals become aware of the demands of social reality (the reality principle), and thereby learn to temper and regulate their quest for pleasure. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The "[[pleasure principle]]" and the "[[reality principle]]" are two psychoanalytical terms coined by Sigmund Freud. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Respectively, the desire for immediate gratification versus the deferral of that gratification. Quite simply, the pleasure principle drives one to seek pleasure and to avoid pain. However, as one matures, one begins to learn the need sometimes to endure pain and to defer gratification because of the exigencies and obstacles of reality: "An ego thus educated has become reasonable; it no longer lets itself be governed by the pleasure principle, but obeys the reality principle, which also at bottom seeks to obtain pleasure, but pleasure which is assured through taking account of reality, even though it is pleasure postponed and diminished" (Sigmund Freud, Introductory Lectures 16.357). | ||
| + | |||
| + | The [[pleasure principle]] governs the functioning of the [[primary process]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==See Also== | ||
| + | * [[Death drive]] | ||
| + | * ''[[Jouissance]]'' | ||
| + | * [[Reality principle]] | ||
| + | * [[Repetition compulsion]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | {{Encore}} | |
| − | + | : ''[[Lustprinzip]]'', 55-56, 62, 84, 94-95 | |
| − | |||
| − | [[ | ||
Latest revision as of 08:21, 16 October 2006
Contents
Freudian Dictionary
In the psycho-analytical theory of the mind we take it for granted that the course of mental processes is automatically regulated by "the pleasure-principle": that is to say, we believe that any given process originates in an unpleasant state of tension and thereupon determines for itself such a path that its ultimate issue coincides with a relaxation of this tension, i.e. with avoidance of "pain" or with production of pleasure.[1]
The pleasure-principle is a tendency which subserves a certain function-namely, that of rendering the psychic apparatus as a whole free from any excitation, or to keep the amount of excitation constant or as low as possible.[2]
The pleasure-pain principle is brought into action in response to the danger-signal, and plays a part in repression . . . . This principle has unrestricted sway over the processes in the id.[3]
below
"pleasure principle" (Fr. principe de plaisir)
Even when Lacan uses the word "pleasure" on its own, he is always referring to the pleasure principle, and never to a sensation.
--
The pleasure principle is one of the "two principles of mental functioning" posted by Freud in his metapsychological writings (the other being the reality principle).
The pleasure principle aims exclusively at avoiding unpleasure and obtaining pleasure.
--
Lacan's first extended discussion of the pleasure principle appears in the seminar of 1954-5.
Here Lacan compares the pleasure principle to a homeostatic device that aims at maintaining excitation at the lowest function level.[4]
This accords with Freud's thesis that unpleasure is related to the increase of quantities of excitation, and pleasure to their reduction.
Lacan opposes the pleasure principle, which he dubs the "restitutive tendency," to the death drive (the "repetitive tendency"), in accordance with Freud's view that the death drive is "beyond the pleasure principle."[5]
--
In 1960, Lacan develops what soon comes to be an important concept in his work; the idea of an opposition between pleasure and jouissance.
Jouissance is now defined as an excessive quantity of excitation which the pleasure principle attempts to prevent.
The pleasure principle is thus seen as a symbolic law, a commandment which can be phrased "Enjoy as little as possible" (which is why Freud originally called it the unpleasure principle).[6]
Pleasure is the safeguard of a state of homeostasis and constancy which jouissance constantly threatens to disrupt and traumatize.
The function of the pleasure principle is, in effect, to lead the subject from signifier to signifier, by generating as amny signifiers as are required to maintain at as low a level as possible the tension that regulates the whole functioning of the psychic apparatus.[7]
Put another way, the pleasure principle is the prohibition on incest, "that which regulates the distance between the subject and das Ding."[8]
When the subject transgresses this prohibition, gets too near to the Thing, then he suffers.
Since it is the drives which permit the subject to transgress the pleasure principle, it follows that every drive is a death drive.
--
Since the pleasure principle is related to prohibition, to the law, and to regulation, it is clearly on the side of the symbolic, whereas jouissance is on the side of the real.
The pleasure principle is thus "nothing else than the dominance of the signifier."[9]
This involves Lacan in a paradox, since the symbolic is also the realm of the repetition compulsion, which is, in Freud's terms, precisely that which goes beyond the pleasure principle.
Indeed, some of Lacan's descriptions of the pleasure principle make it sound almost identical to the repetition compulsion.
"The function of the pleasure principle is to make man always search for what he has to find again, but which he will never attain."[10]
def
Freud
The ‘pleasure principl’e is one of the “two principles of mental functioning” posited by Freud in his metapsychological writings (the other being the Reality Principle). The ‘pleasure principle’ aims exclusively at avoiding unpleasure and obtaining pleasure.
Respectively, the desire for immediate gratification vs. the deferral of that gratification. The pleasure-principle drives one to seek pleasure and to avoid pain. However, as one grows up, one begins to learn the need sometimes to endure pain and to defer gratification because of the exigencies and obstacles of reality: "An ego thus educated has become 'reasonable'; it no longer lets itself be governed by the pleasure principle, but obeys the reality principle, which also at bottom seeks to obtain pleasure, but pleasure which is assured through taking account of reality, even though it is pleasure postponed and diminished" (Introductory Lectures 16.357).
Lacan
Lacan’s first extended discussion of the pleasure principle appears in the seminar of 1954-5. Here Lacan compares the pleasure principle to a homeostatic device that aims at maintains excitation at the lowest functional level. Lacan opposes the pleasure principle to the death drive, in accorrdance with Freud’s view that the death drive is beyond the pleasure principle.[11]
In 1960 Lacan develops what soon comes to be an important concept in his work; the idea of an opposition between pleasure and ‘’jouissance’’. ‘’Jouissance’’ is now defined as an excessive quantityt of excitation which the pleasure principle attempts to prevent. The pleasure principle is thus seen as a symbolic law, a commandment which can be phrased ‘Enjoy as little as possible.’ Pleasure is the safeguard of a state of homeostatis and constancy which ‘’jouissance’’ constantly threatens to disrupt and traumatize.
The pleasure principle is the prohibition of incest, ‘that which regulates the distance between the subject and das Ding.”[12] When the subject transgresses this prohibition, gets too near to the Thing, then he suffers. Since it is the drives which permit the subject to transgress the pleasure principle, it follows that every drive is a death drive.
Since the pleasure principle is related to prohibition, to the law, and to regulation, it is clearly on the side of the symbolic, whereas ‘’jouissance’’ is on the side of the real. The pleasure principle is thus “nothing else than the dominance of the signifer.”[13]
References
- ↑ Template:BPP Ch. 1
- ↑ Template:BPP Ch. 7
- ↑ Template:NILP Ch. 4
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book II. The Ego in Freud's Theory and in the Technique of Psychoanalysis, 1954-55. Trans. Sylvana Tomaselli. New York: Nortion; Cambridge: Cambridge Unviersity Press, 1988. p.79-80
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book II. The Ego in Freud's Theory and in the Technique of Psychoanalysis, 1954-55. Trans. Sylvana Tomaselli. New York: Nortion; Cambridge: Cambridge Unviersity Press, 1988. p.79-80
- ↑ Freud, Sigmund. SE V. 1900a. p.574
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book VII. The Ethics of Psychoanalysis, 1959-60. Trans. Dennis Porter. London: Routledge, 1992. p.119
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book VII. The Ethics of Psychoanalysis, 1959-60. Trans. Dennis Porter. London: Routledge, 1992. p.69
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book VII. The Ethics of Psychoanalysis, 1959-60. Trans. Dennis Porter. London: Routledge, 1992. p.134
- ↑ Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar. Book VII. The Ethics of Psychoanalysis, 1959-60. Trans. Dennis Porter. London: Routledge, 1992. p.68
- ↑ s2 79-80)
- ↑ s7 69
- ↑ s7 134
Respectively, the desire for immediate gratification vs. the deferral of that gratification. Quite simply, the pleasure-principle drives one to seek pleasure and to avoid pain. However, as one grows up, one begins to learn the need sometimes to endure pain and to defer gratification because of the exigencies and obstacles of reality: "An ego thus educated has become 'reasonable'; it no longer lets itself be governed by the pleasure principle, but obeys the reality principle, which also at bottom seeks to obtain pleasure, but pleasure which is assured through taking account of reality, even though it is pleasure postponed and diminished" (Introductory Lectures 16.357).
def
Lacan opposes the ‘pleasure principle’ (principe de plaisir) to the death drive, in accordance with Freud’s view that the death drive is ‘beyond the pleasure principle.’ Jouissance is defined as an excessive quantity of excitation which the pleasure principle attempts to prevent. The pleasure principle is thus seen as a symbolic law, a commandment which can be phrased ‘Enjoy as little as possible.’ Pleasure is the safeguard of a state of homeostasis and constancy which jouissance constantly threatens to disrupt and traumatize.
Also, the pleasure principle refers to the prohibition of incest, “that which regulates the distance between the subect and das Ding.” When the subject transgresses this prohibition, gets too near to the Thing, then he suffers. Since it is the drives which permit the subject to transgress the pleasure principle, it follows that every drive is a death drive. Since the pleasure principle is related to prohibition, to the law, and to regulation, it is clearly on the side of the symbolic, whereas jouissance is on the side of the real.
In psychoanalysis, the demand that an instinctive need (usually sexual or aggressive) be gratified, regardless of the social or practical consequences. Sigmund Freud held that the id was dominated totally by the pleasure principle, but that, with the development of the ego and superego, individuals become aware of the demands of social reality (the reality principle), and thereby learn to temper and regulate their quest for pleasure.
The "pleasure principle" and the "reality principle" are two psychoanalytical terms coined by Sigmund Freud.
Respectively, the desire for immediate gratification versus the deferral of that gratification. Quite simply, the pleasure principle drives one to seek pleasure and to avoid pain. However, as one matures, one begins to learn the need sometimes to endure pain and to defer gratification because of the exigencies and obstacles of reality: "An ego thus educated has become reasonable; it no longer lets itself be governed by the pleasure principle, but obeys the reality principle, which also at bottom seeks to obtain pleasure, but pleasure which is assured through taking account of reality, even though it is pleasure postponed and diminished" (Sigmund Freud, Introductory Lectures 16.357).
The pleasure principle governs the functioning of the primary process
See Also
References
Index
- Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar of Jacques Lacan, Book XX: Encore, On Feminine Sexuality, The Limits of Love and Knowledge 1972-1973. Trans. Bruce Fink. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1998.
- Lustprinzip, 55-56, 62, 84, 94-95
