In his later work, Jacques Lacan delved into the origins and functions of signifiers, particularly focusing on the emergence of the “master signifier” (S1) that anchors the chain of signification. This master signifier serves as a foundational element, providing a point de capiton (quilting point) that stabilizes meaning within the symbolic order. Lacan emphasized that while signifiers are inherently linked in an endless chain, the master signifier is pivotal in halting the infinite deferral of meaning, thereby allowing for the structuring of subjectivity and the symbolic universe.
Félix Guattari, in collaboration with Gilles Deleuze, introduced the concept of “a-signifying semiotics,” which challenges the primacy of the signifier in structuring meaning and subjectivity. Guattari critiqued Lacan’s structuralist approach, arguing that it imposed a hegemonic order through the dominance of the signifier. Instead, Guattari proposed a semiotics that operates independently of signification, focusing on asignifying signs that function directly on material and social flows without the mediation of a signifying chain.
While both Lacan and Guattari explore the foundational elements of meaning and subjectivity, their approaches diverge significantly. Lacan’s later work seeks to identify the master signifier that arrests the endless play of signification, providing a necessary anchor for the subject within the symbolic order. In contrast, Guattari’s a-signifying chains aim to bypass the traditional signifying processes altogether, advocating for a more fluid and non-hierarchical interaction with semiotic elements. Therefore, although both theorists address the genesis and function of foundational elements in meaning-making, they propose markedly different mechanisms and implications for understanding subjectivity and social structures.
