The current volume represents an exciting collection of essays critically examining the relation between modern science and Lacanian psychoanalysis in approaching the question of mental suffering. Lacan & Science also tackles more widely the role and logic of scientific practice in general, taking as its focus psychic processes. Central themes that are explored from a variety of perspectives include the use of mathematics in Lacanian psychoalanysis, the importance of linguistics and Freud's text in Lacan's approach, and the central significance attached to ethics and the role of the subject. Constituting an invaluable addition to existing literature, this comprehensive volume offers a fresh insight into Lacan's conception of the subject and its implications to scientific practice and evidence.
Biography
Jason Glynos teaches political theory in the Department of Government at University of Essex. His current research is situated within the field of psychoanalysis and critical political theory and economy. He has published in the areas of poststructuralist political theory and Lacanian psychoanalysis, focusing on theories of ideology, democracy, and freedom, and the philosophy and methodology of social science. He is co-author with David Howarth of Logics of Critical Explanation in Social and Political Theory.
Yannis Stavrakakis studied political science in Athens and Essex. He has worked at the Universities of Essex and Nottingham before taking up a position at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2006, where he is currently Professor of Political Discourse Analysis. His research focuses primarily on contemporary political theory (with emphasis on psychoanalytic and post-structuralist approaches) and on the analysis of ideology and discourse in late modern societies (with emphasis on populism, environmentalism, post-democracy and the role of artistic practices). He is the author of Lacan and the Political (1999) and The Lacanian Left (2007), and editor of the Routledge Handbook of Psychoanalytic Political Theory (2020).
'Glynos and Stavrakakis have compiled a wide-ranging series of essays which open up new perspectives on psychoanalysis, science and the relations between them. Although psychoanalysts, particularly Lacanians, have been working on these themes for many years, there has been no comprehensive English language publication until this volume. This book is essential reading for anyone interested not only in psychoanalysis but also in the philosophy and history of science. Lacan & Science will be a definitive source book for many years to come.'
Darian Leader, Centre for Freudian Analysis and Research, London, UK
'Extremely readable, this important and wonderfully enlightening book delivers a strong response to sceptics who have long questioned the scientific objectivity of psychoanalysis.'
Joan Copjec, Director, Center for the Study of Psychoanalysis and Culture, University at Buffalo, USA
'Lacan & Science embraces contributions by some of the most thoughtful and interesting psychoanalysts and philosophers writing on Lacan today.'
Russell Grigg, Director, Psychoanalytic Studies, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
