The subject, the symbolic and nature

Authors

  • Peter Hudson University of the Witwatersrand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2309-8708/2018/n56a5

Keywords:

Descartes, subject, drive, epigenesis, weak nature, symbolic

Abstract

This article identifies the standard conception of the relationship between Nature and the Symbolic and contrasts it with that developed by the neuro-sciences, epigenetics and psychoanalysis. These latter develop a conception of nature as neither a self-sufficient totality that renders the human sciences redundant, nor as the merely passive substrate of the Symbolic. Here Nature requires “completion” by the Symbolic and vice-versa.  In conclusion, the implications of this new articulation (of Nature and the Symbolic) for the status of the subject are addressed.

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Author Biography

Peter Hudson, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Political Studies
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg

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Published

2018-08-16

How to Cite

Hudson, P. . (2018). The subject, the symbolic and nature. PINS-Psychology in Society, 56(1), 85–90. https://doi.org/10.17159/2309-8708/2018/n56a5

Issue

Vol. 56 No. 1 (2018)

Section

Articles

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