Seminar XI: The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis

Seminar XI, "The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis," by Jacques Lacan, explores core ideas about how the human mind and unconscious influence behavior. Lacan emphasizes that our sense of self is shaped by language and social interactions. The four concepts include: the unconscious (a hidden part that drives us), the mirror stage (how we form self-identity through recognition), the role of language (shaping our desires), and the symbolic order (social rules and symbols that structure our lives). These ideas highlight the complex, intertwined nature of our psyche, language, and social context, offering a deeper understanding of human identity and desire.