On angst, love and mourning

Notes for its approach based on the functions of the object a and castration

Abstract

This article seeks to explore the relationships between angst, love and mourning based on this operator: the object a, object of desire, which introduces a series of fundamental distinctions for both psychoanalytic theory and practice. Beginning with the formula “the desire is the desire of the other”, Lacan will seek to specify the status of this desire in psychoanalysis. The object will be seen operating in the phantasy and through this path we will approach angst, whose place in the structure they both share. Secondly, the function of desire on love will be explored, and in particular, what an expe-rience such as mourning contributes to its clarification. Finally, this article seeks to draw the consequences of the function of this object in the castration relationship, understand-ing that an essential reference is located there to clarify the place of the psychoanalyst’s desire in the transference.