Slavoj Zizek: Subject in Flux

 

In the wake of the French Revolution in 1789, the discourse on the social sphere gained prominence. Auguste Comte emerged during this period, advocating for the possibility of researching social sciences akin to natural sciences. Sociology was subsequently born, dedicating itself to the study of social issues. Over time, the landscape of social science underwent dynamic changes, culminating in a post-modern paradigm that seemingly rendered the subject or individual as "dead," perceived merely as a product of social fabrication and environment.

 

In 1949, Zizek entered the scene, offering a radical redefinition of the subject within the realm of social sciences. Synthesizing ideas from Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Marx, and Lacan, Zizek challenged the prevailing notion that the subject was devoid of agency. His philosophical contributions marked a departure from the post-modern perception, breathing new life into the subject's role in society.

 

Zizek's key innovation was a redefinition of the subject, drawing inspiration from Descartes' subject ontology. The subject, as Zizek envisioned, possessed reason, mind, and ratio. He expanded on Descartes' groundwork, incorporating Kant's perspective to fortify the subject's cognitive framework. Zizek chose Kant due to the latter's reliance on empiricism, distinguishing it from Descartes' rationalism. This amalgamation of Descartes and Kant laid the epistemological foundation for Zizek's reconstructed subject.

 

Furthermore, Zizek recognized the contributions of Heggel and Marx in revitalizing the subject. Embracing the negative and dialectical thinking prevalent in their works, Zizek enhanced the subject's epistemology. Employing the thesis-antithesis-synthesis dialectic concept, the subject, according to Zizek, constantly sought self-improvement and autonomy. The subject, conceptualized as a dynamic entity, continually distanced itself from its prior iterations, driven by dialectical transformations.

 

Delving into the realm of psychoanalysis, Zizek turned to Jacques Lacan's triad to further illuminate the subject's potential for rehabilitation. Despite Lacan's association with poststructuralism and postmodernism, Zizek discerned nuances in Lacan's thinking that made psychoanalysis a viable tool for subject rejuvenation. Lacan's triad, encompassing the imaginary, symbolic, and real stages, offered a comprehensive framework. In the imaginary stage, individuals identified societal norms and behaviors, progressing to the symbolic stage where they sought to actualize their roles within the social structure. The real stage, however, presented a perpetual struggle for individuals striving to contribute meaningfully to their social spheres, experiencing a persistent gap between aspirations and achievements. Zizek, through Lacanian insights, introduced the concept of subject rehabilitation, acknowledging the subject's potential to influence society positively.

 

In this phase, Zizek identifies a "void" as an "opportunity" for the subject to optimize and pursue radical potential, influencing the surrounding environment. By amalgamating the philosophies of Descartes, Kant, Heggel, Marx, and Lacan, Zizek aims to rejuvenate the redefinition of the subject, setting his thinking apart from contemporaneous social theorists. While others may deem the subject as lifeless, Zizek envisions its revival as a potent entity capable of shaping the social structure and creating substance.

 

In interpreting Zizek's philosophy, it becomes apparent that the subject, for him, refers to an individual or human entity employing reason or ratio in action. This distinguishing factor sets humans apart from other creatures. Zizek's discussions on the subject traverse three key periods: the philosophical era, the sociological realm, and the post-modern/post-structuralist domain.

 

In the philosophical era, the subject's evolution from the classical to modern times unfolds alongside discussions on its definition and societal positioning. Descartes pivotal assertion, "I think, therefore I am" (cogito ergo sum), liberates the subject from religious constraints, granting it a dominant role in society based on reason and ratio.

 

Sociology further articulates the subject as an entity shaped by social interactions, forming in the crucible of social life. The subject, in this context, emerges through interactions with other subjects, marking a departure from its religious subjugation in the medieval and Renaissance periods.

 

The post-modern and post-structuralist perspectives present a paradigm shift, depicting the subject as a product of social structures, symbols, and language. Here, the subject's perceived death stems from its perceived lack of influence in the social milieu, becoming a key premise for Zizek's thought on the redefinition of the subject.

 

Zizek's thought aligns with the current societal conditions often characterized as a liquid and risky society, echoing the views of scholars like Zygmunt Bauman and Ulrich Beck. In a society marked by rapid change and inherent risks, Zizek associates the concept of the subject with the ongoing debate between capitalism and socialism. He observes contemporary society's inclination to act without thorough consideration of consequences, providing the foundation for his exploration of the subject within the context of socialist-capitalist thought. This intersection becomes particularly relevant in analyzing the actions of today's society and navigating the complexities of the contemporary era.