Jacques Lacan: 'The knowledge that there is a part of the psychic functions that are out of conscious reach, we did not need to wait for Freud to know this!'

The knowledge that there is a part of the psychic functions that are out of conscious reach, we did not need to wait for Freud to know this!

The quote by Jacques Lacan, "The knowledge that there is a part of the psychic functions that are out of conscious reach, we did not need to wait for Freud to know this!" encompasses a profound understanding of the human psyche. Lacan highlights the existence of elements within our minds that elude our conscious awareness. In a straightforward manner, this quote signifies the acknowledgment that there are subconscious aspects to our psyche that have always been recognized, even before Sigmund Freud's contributions.However, let us venture beyond the obvious and delve into an unexpected philosophical concept that complements Lacan's words. We will explore the ideas of Immanuel Kant, a renowned philosopher, and his philosophy of the noumenon. The noumenon refers to things as they are in themselves, independent of our perceptions or understanding. Kant argued that our conscious experience is limited to the phenomenal realm, where our knowledge is constrained by the faculties of our mind.Drawing a parallel between Lacan and Kant, we can observe that both philosophers acknowledge the existence of aspects beyond our conscious reach. Lacan's focus lies in the realm of the subconscious, while Kant emphasizes the limitations of our conscious perception. These concepts intertwine, highlighting the complexity of the human mind and the enigmatic nature of our existence.While Lacan's statement may seem simplistic at first, it carries immense significance. The acknowledgment that our conscious mind does not encompass the entirety of our psychic functions challenges our very understanding of ourselves. It suggests that an integral part of who we are lies hidden within the depths of our subconscious.Freud, who is widely credited with introducing psychoanalysis and exploring the depths of the unconscious, revealed that our thoughts, desires, and motives frequently originate from these obscured recesses of our mind. However, Lacan reminds us that this awareness of the subconscious has always been present. It is an intrinsic part of our human nature, embedded within our collective consciousness.The significance of Lacan's statement lies in its ability to rouse curiosity and stimulate further exploration of our unconscious thoughts and desires. It encourages us to delve deeper into the abyss of our minds and unravel the mysteries that lie within.Kant's philosophy of the noumenon adds another layer of complexity to the quote. By introducing the concept of phenomena and the limitations of our conscious perception, Kant prompts us to question the very nature of our reality. He suggests that our conscious experience is subjective and shaped by our mental faculties, causing us to only perceive a fragmented representation of the world.Both Lacan and Kant inspire us to contemplate the existence of a reality beyond our immediate conscious awareness. They invite us to consider the possibility that our conscious mind is merely scratching the surface, and there are depths yet to be explored.In conclusion, Lacan's quote captures the essence of our human condition, acknowledging the existence of the subconscious as an inherent part of our psyche. This statement provides a strong foundation for understanding our complex inner workings. By introducing the unexpected philosophical concept of the noumenon proposed by Kant, we further enhance our perspective on the limitations of our conscious perception. Together, these ideas shed light on the vast and mysterious depths of our minds, inviting us to explore the intricacies that lie beyond our conscious reach.