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.
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