Ruti, M. The Singularity of Being: Lacan and the Immortal Within (Translated by Krotovskaya, N. G.)

Abstract: Starting out from writings by Erik Santner, Slavoy Zizek and Alenka Zupanchich, the researcher establishes the theory of the subjective singularity from the point of view of Lacanian school. The researcher declares that unlike the ‘subject’ (who exists as a result of symbolic prohibition) and ‘personality’ (that is related to narcissistic self-conceit of the imaginary), the singular ‘self’ emerges as a response to the trigger, i.e. directive coming from the reality. Disregarding social and interpersonal relations of a person, this directive forms a ‘character’. Consequently, the singularity reflects personal features, qualities and temperament but at the same time the singularity prevents from both symbolic and imaginary closing. It is open for all levels of disobedience which shows that human life has certain elements which go beyond the borders of standard sociality. Indeed, since the singularity clearly speaks of something related to ‘undead’ enjoyment (‘jouissance’), it connects the person with the paradoxical immortality. It does not mean that he will never die. It is more likely that it brings the ‘transcendental’ experience such as a strong desire to be creative which may take us beyond the borders of earthly life at least for a moment. Such experience allows the individual to feel ‘real’ and prevents symbolic abduction and psychic death.

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