https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ljubljana_school_of_psychoanalysis
a popular name for a school of thoughtcentred on the Society for Theoretical Psychoanalysis based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Philosophers related to School include Rastko Močnik, Slavoj Žižek, Mladen Dolar, Alenka Zupančič, Miran Božovič and Eva Bahovec. Other scholars associated with the school include philosophers Simon Hajdini, Zdravko Kobe, Rado Riha, Jelica Šumič Riha, sociologist Renata Salecl and philosopher Peter Klepec.
The popular name of "Ljubljana School of Psychoanalysis" is seen as problematic by some, since none of its members is a practicing psychoanalyst. The issue was raised by The Slovenian Society For Lacanian Psychoanalysis in 2015.
Please tell me what is the Ljubljana school of psychoanalysis, and what are they up to? (ChatGPT, 2025-2-23)
The Ljubljana School of Psychoanalysis, also known as the Ljubljana Lacanian School, is a collective of Slovenian scholars who, since the late 1970s, have been integrating Lacanian psychoanalysis with German idealism, Marxism, and critical theory to analyze contemporary social, cultural, and political phenomena. Centered around the Society for Theoretical Psychoanalysis in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the school includes prominent figures such as Slavoj Žižek, Mladen Dolar, Rastko Močnik, and Alenka Zupančič.
Founding and Theoretical Orientation
Established in the late 1970s, the Ljubljana School emerged from a group of young Slovenian intellectuals inspired by the theories of French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan. Their primary aim was to synthesize Lacanian psychoanalysis with German idealist philosophy and Marxist theory. This interdisciplinary approach has been applied to a wide range of subjects, including ideology critique, cultural studies, film theory, and political analysis.
Key Members and Contributions
• Slavoj Žižek: Perhaps the most internationally renowned member, Žižek has authored numerous works that blend psychoanalytic theory with cultural critique and political philosophy. His recent publications include Hegel in A Wired Brain (2020) and Sex and the Failed Absolute (2019).
• Mladen Dolar: A philosopher and psychoanalyst, Dolar is known for his work on the philosophy of language and the voice. His notable publication, A Voice and Nothing More, explores the voice’s role in psychoanalysis and philosophy.
• Alenka Zupančič: Specializing in ethics, literature, and psychoanalysis, Zupančič has contributed significantly to Nietzsche studies and the philosophy of comedy. Her works often examine the intersections of philosophy and psychoanalytic theory.
• Rastko Močnik: A sociologist and literary theorist, Močnik has focused on structuralism, semiotics, and the epistemology of social sciences. He has also been active in political movements and civil society initiatives in Slovenia.
Current Activities
The Ljubljana School continues to engage in both academic and public discourse. Members regularly publish works that address contemporary issues through their unique theoretical lens. For instance, Žižek has recently commented on global political events, such as the mass student protests in Serbia, analyzing them through the framework of ideology and psychoanalysis.
Institutionally, the Society for Theoretical Psychoanalysis remains active in promoting psychoanalytic theory and its applications. Additionally, the Slovenian Association for Lacanian Psychoanalysis offers programs and seminars, including a four-year course in Lacanian psychoanalysis at the Sigmund Freud University in Ljubljana.
In summary, the Ljubljana School of Psychoanalysis represents a dynamic and influential group that continues to explore and expand the intersections of psychoanalysis, philosophy, and social critique.
What’s the Neo-Slovenian School, and what’s the debate between Zizek and Duane Rousselle about? (ChatGPT, 2025-2-23)
The Neo-Slovenian School is an intellectual movement initiated by Canadian sociologist and psychoanalyst Duane Rousselle. Building upon the foundations of the Ljubljana School of Psychoanalysis, which integrates Lacanian psychoanalysis with German idealism and Marxism, the Neo-Slovenian School seeks to advance this synthesis by introducing new theoretical perspectives and addressing perceived limitations within the original framework.
Foundational Context: The Ljubljana School of Psychoanalysis
Established in the late 1970s in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the Ljubljana School of Psychoanalysis comprises scholars such as Slavoj Žižek, Mladen Dolar, and Alenka Zupančič. Their work is characterized by a fusion of Lacanian psychoanalytic theory with German idealist philosophy and Marxist critique, aiming to analyze contemporary socio-political and cultural phenomena.
Emergence of the Neo-Slovenian School
Duane Rousselle, influenced by the Ljubljana School’s approach, proposes a paradigm shift that repositions its foundational assumptions into a different register. This involves a critical engagement with the original school’s theories, particularly concerning ideology, constitutive lack, surplus jouissance, totality, and capitalism. Rousselle’s objective is to develop a distinct psychoanalytic theory of contemporary politics that addresses the evolving socio-economic landscape.
Debate Between Slavoj Žižek and Duane Rousselle
The intellectual discourse between Slavoj Žižek and Duane Rousselle centers on their differing perspectives regarding Marxist theory and its application to contemporary socio-political contexts. In a notable exchange, Rousselle critiques what he perceives as Žižek’s adherence to a form of “dogmatic Marxism,” suggesting that such a stance may inadvertently reinforce the very capitalist structures it seeks to dismantle. Rousselle posits that in the current political environment, American democratic capitalism presents itself as the prevailing alternative, and that without a viable, coherent strategy, critiques rooted in traditional Marxist frameworks may lack efficacy.
Žižek, in response, defends the necessity of a robust Marxist analysis to uncover and challenge the underlying ideological mechanisms that sustain capitalist systems. He emphasizes the importance of retaining a critical stance that does not capitulate to the seeming inevitability of capitalism, advocating for a reinvigorated Marxist approach that is adaptable to contemporary challenges.
Key Points of Contention
• Ideological Critique: Rousselle questions whether traditional Marxist critiques, as employed by Žižek, sufficiently account for the complexities of modern capitalist societies, particularly in the context of cultural and ideological shifts.
• Strategic Alternatives: The debate highlights the challenge of formulating viable alternatives to capitalism. Rousselle suggests that without clear, actionable strategies, Marxist critiques risk becoming purely academic exercises.
• The Role of Psychoanalysis: Both scholars engage with Lacanian psychoanalysis, but they diverge on how it should inform socio-political analysis. Rousselle advocates for a reconfiguration of psychoanalytic concepts to better address contemporary issues, while Žižek emphasizes the enduring relevance of traditional Lacanian frameworks.
This ongoing dialogue reflects a broader discourse within contemporary critical theory, examining how classical philosophical and psychoanalytic concepts can be reinterpreted and applied to understand and potentially transform current socio-political realities.
For a more in-depth exploration of their debate, you may find the following discussion insightful:
https://youtu.be/TG4ugcwZl28?si=H5dGPPuFS5iqHLx7
