Language and Authenticity: Heidegger and Lacan

 Language and Authenticity: Heidegger and Lacan

Introduction

Language is a complex and multifaceted tool that plays a fundamental role in shaping human existence and consciousness. Two influential philosophers, Martin Heidegger and Jacques Lacan, have explored the nuances of language and its connections to authenticity, identity, and human existence. In this blog post, we will delve into Heidegger's distinction between "speech" (Rede) and "talk" (Gerede) and connect it to Lacan's concepts of "empty speech" (Parole vide or Langage vide) and "full speech" (Parole pleine or Langage plein). We will explore the intriguing parallels and differences in their perspectives, ultimately linking Heidegger's influence on Lacan and how these philosophical and psychoanalytic concepts intertwine.

Heidegger's Distinction: "Speech" and "Talk"

Martin Heidegger, one of the most prominent existentialist philosophers of the 20th century, made a crucial distinction between "Speech" (Rede) and "Talk" (Gerede) in his work.

1. Speech (Rede):
• "Speech" is deemed authentic by Heidegger, representing a genuine mode of language.
• In "speech," individuals engage in meaningful, thoughtful, and purposeful communication.
• This form of language is reflective and allows for profound dialogue.
• It unveils one's true self and enables individuals to express their inner thoughts and being.
2. Talk (Gerede):
• In contrast, "talk" is viewed as inauthentic and superficial by Heidegger.
• "Talk" involves idle chatter, clichés, and the mindless repetition of social conventions.
• It often conforms to societal norms and conceals the true self, distracting individuals with mundane concerns.

Lacan's Exploration: "Empty Speech" and "Full Speech"

In the context of Lacanian psychoanalysis, Jacques Lacan took these notions of authentic and inauthentic language a step further, introducing the concepts of "Empty Speech" and "Full Speech."

1. Empty Speech (Parole vide or Langage vide):
• "Parole vide" refers to a form of speech characterized by a lack of authenticity, disconnection, and alienation.
• It is rooted in the imaginary autonomy of the ego, revolving around constructed identities rather than true subjective experience.
• This concept exposes the essential emptiness within human speech, as it is often used to construct and maintain social personas while concealing inner desires and conflicts.
2. Full Speech (Parole pleine or Langage plein):
• "Parole pleine" is a concept introduced by Lacan to describe more genuine and transformative speech.
• It represents a deeper connection to one's subjectivity and a more authentic mode of communication.
• Full speech transcends the superficial construction of the ego and engages with language in a meaningful and expressive manner. It acts, institutes, and transforms, focusing on the transformative power of language within an individual's life.

Heidegger's Influence on Lacan:

Heidegger's exploration of the distinctions between "Speech" and "Talk" clearly influenced Lacan's ideas regarding "Empty Speech" and "Full Speech." Just as Heidegger highlighted the authentic and inauthentic modes of language, Lacan expanded on this concept within the psychoanalytic context.

Heidegger's emphasis on authenticity and genuine communication aligns with Lacan's concept of "Full Speech." Both highlight the importance of engaging with language in a meaningful and transformative manner. On the other hand, Heidegger's critique of "Talk" resonates with Lacan's concept of "Empty Speech," emphasizing the superficial and inauthentic nature of language that conceals the true self.

Conclusion:

Heidegger's exploration of "Speech" and "Talk" and Lacan's development of "Empty Speech" and "Full Speech" represent complementary inquiries into the nature of language and its profound impact on human subjectivity. Heidegger's influence on Lacan is evident in their shared emphasis on authenticity and the transformative potential of language, underscoring the intricate relationship between language, identity, and self-discovery. These philosophical and psychoanalytic concepts invite us to reflect on the power of language in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

Stay tuned as we look at the flip side of this discourse in our next blog post: Deconstructing “Language and Subjectivity: Heidegger and Lacan”.

Bibliography

Heidegger, Martin. On the Way to Language. Translated by Peter D. Hertz. Perennial Library. Harper & Row, Publishers, 1971.

Inwood, Michael. A Heidegger Dictionary. Blackwell Publishers, 1999.

Inwood, Michael. Heidegger: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 1997.

Withy, Katherine. Heidegger on Being Uncanny. Cambridge, Massachusetts & London, England: 2015.

Hurst, Andrea. Derrida Vis-à-vis Lacan: Interweaving Deconstruction and Psychoanalysis. New York: Fordham University Press, 2008.

Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: The First Complete Edition in English. Translated by Bruce Fink in collaboration with Heloise Fink and Russell Grigg. New York and London: W. W. Norton & Company, 2005. Copyright © 1966, 1970, 1971, 1999 by Editions du Seuil. English translation copyright © 2006, 2002 by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Rabaté, Jean-Michel, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Lacan. Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town, Singapore, São Paulo: Cambridge University Press, 2003.