About the book
Although there have been many attempts to apply the ideas of psychoanalysis to political thought, this book is the first to identify the political project inherent in the fundamental tenets of psychoanalysis. And this political project, Todd McGowan contends, provides an avenue for emancipatory politics after the failure of Marxism in the twentieth century.
Where others seeking the political import of psychoanalysis have looked to Freud’s early work on sexuality, McGowan focuses on Freud’s discovery of the death drive and Jacques Lacan’s elaboration of this concept. He argues that the self-destruction occurring as a result of the death drive is the foundational act of emancipation around which we should construct our political philosophy. Psychoanalysis offers the possibility for thinking about emancipation not as an act of overcoming loss but as the embrace of loss. It is only through the embrace of loss, McGowan suggests, that we find the path to enjoyment, and enjoyment is the determinative factor in all political struggles—and only in a political project that embraces the centrality of loss will we find a viable alternative to global capitalism.
Editions of Enjoying What We Don't Have
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780803245112
- EBook
- ISBN 9780803246232
- EBook
- ISBN 9781496210524
- EBook
- ISBN 9781496210531
Read an Excerpt
Although there have been many attempts to apply the ideas of psychoanalysis to political thought, this book is the first to identify the political project inherent in the fundamental tenets of psychoanalysis. And this political project, Todd McGowan contends, provides an avenue for emancipatory politics after the failure of Marxism in the twentieth century.
Where others seeking the political import of psychoanalysis have looked to Freud’s early work on sexuality, McGowan focuses on Freud’s discovery of the death drive and Jacques Lacan’s elaboration of this concept. He argues that the self-destruction occurring as a result of the death drive is the foundational act of emancipation around which we should construct our political philosophy. Psychoanalysis offers the possibility for thinking about emancipation not as an act of overcoming loss but as the embrace of loss. It is only through the embrace of loss, McGowan suggests, that we find the path to enjoyment, and enjoyment is the determinative factor in all political struggles—and only in a political project that embraces the centrality of loss will we find a viable alternative to global capitalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Enjoying What We Don't Have about?
Although there have been many attempts to apply the ideas of psychoanalysis to political thought, this book is the first to identify the political project inherent in the fundamental tenets of psychoanalysis. And this political project, Todd McGowan contends, provides an avenue for emancipatory politics after the failure of Marxism in the twentieth century.
Where others seeking the political import of psychoanalysis have looked to Freud’s early work on sexuality, McGowan focuses on Freud’s discovery of the death drive and Jacques Lacan’s elaboration of this concept. He argues that the self-destruction occurring as a result of the death drive is the foundational act of emancipation around which we should construct our political philosophy. Psychoanalysis offers the possibility for thinking about emancipation not as an act of overcoming loss but as the embrace of loss. It is only through the embrace of loss, McGowan suggests, that we find the path to enjoyment, and enjoyment is the determinative factor in all political struggles—and only in a political project that embraces the centrality of loss will we find a viable alternative to global capitalism.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Enjoying What We Don't Have?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social and political philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Enjoying What We Don't Have?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780803245112
Is Enjoying What We Don't Have part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Symploke Studies in Contemporary Theory
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Enjoying What We Don't Have?
Todd McGowan
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Enjoying What We Don't Have is available as paperback(ISBN 9780803245112) and ebook(ISBN 9780803246232) and ebook(ISBN 9781496210524) and ebook(ISBN 9781496210531)
Where can I buy Enjoying What We Don't Have online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Enjoying What We Don't Have?