The Confluence
Student Type
Undergraduate
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The notion of the Self lies at the heart of subjectivity. This paper aims to analyze and compare two intellectual traditions that have their own subversive philosophies of the Self and subjectivity—these two traditions being Mādhyamaka Buddhism and Lacanian psychoanalysis. Beginning with primers on both Nāgārjuna’s philosophy and Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalytic theory, this paper will discuss the comparative psychologies and philosophies of subjectivity presented by the ideas of non-Self and Lack, respectively. Also briefly compared are the implied metaphysics of both Śūnyatā and Lacanian Lack. An examination of these comparisons’ weaknesses follows along with some closing remarks.
Recommended Citation
Morris, Carter
(2024)
"Anātman & Lack: Between Nāgārjuna and Lacan,"
The Confluence: Vol. 3:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62608/2150-2633.1058
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theconfluence/vol3/iss2/4
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Date
09 May 2024
Included in
Buddhist Studies Commons, Comparative Philosophy Commons, Continental Philosophy Commons, Metaphysics Commons, Theory and Philosophy Commons
Author Bio
Carter Morris is an undergraduate student in the Philosophy & Religion program at Lindenwood University. With wide ranging research interests, his primary areas of study tend to revolve around varying traditions within Continental philosophy as well as the exploration of mystical theologies. As an ever-restless learner, he loves wisdom wherever such teachings may be found.