The ethics of psychoanalysis

Lacan between two Antigones

Abstract

This paper will aim to situate Lacan’s reading of Antigone, by Sophocles, in his Seminar VII, as a key moment in Lacan's teaching, but an interim, transitional one. To this end, firstly, we will compare the cultural and historical contexts Lacan challenges due to his interpretation of Sophocles' work. That is, the contexts that are diachronically weaved together by this1960’s reading of the tragedy’s protagonist. Thus, it is in this confrontation where Lacan plays his controversial hand, which therefore becomes political. Secondly, emphasis will be placed on what he observes about Antigone, her beautiful individuality, which leads him to highlight the purity of her desire. To this end, a synchronic analysis will be conducted of the interpretation we read in The Seminar’s classes devoted to Antigone. Finally, possible derivations opened up by the Lacanian interpretation will betraced, on the basis of understanding ethics in psychoanalysis as an endless task.