Thomas Svolos, in his book Twenty-First Century Psychoanalysis, emphasizes the significance of Jacques Lacan’s later work, particularly from Seminar XX (Encore) onward, for understanding and addressing the psyche in contemporary times. Lacan’s later teachings introduce nuanced concepts that Svolos finds particularly pertinent to the challenges faced by psychoanalysis in the modern era.
One of the key ideas from Lacan’s later seminars is the shift from the dominance of the symbolic order to a focus on the real and the sinthome. This transition reflects an understanding that traditional symbolic structures no longer adequately encapsulate the complexities of contemporary subjectivity. Svolos suggests that this perspective allows psychoanalysis to better engage with the unique clinical phenomena of the twenty-first century, such as the rise in cases of psychosis and addiction.
Furthermore, Lacan’s exploration of jouissance (a term denoting a form of excessive enjoyment or pleasure that goes beyond the pleasure principle) in his later work provides a framework for understanding modern forms of suffering and desire. Svolos argues that these concepts are instrumental in formulating psychoanalytic approaches that are responsive to the evolving landscape of human experience in the current century.
In essence, Svolos believes that Lacan’s later seminars offer critical insights and tools that are essential for psychoanalysis to remain relevant and effective in addressing the psychological issues prevalent in today’s society.
