2. Lacan’s Mirror Stage (2 of 4): From Image to Identification

Starting with the question ’Why should you not look in the mirror while tripping on acid?’, this mini-lecture explores the mirror stage as enabling a type of imaginary identification. The theme of ’corps morcele’ (the body-in-pieces) is discussed in a way that foregrounds the idea that fragmentation or formlessness is primary, coming before bodily and psychological integration. We think, briefly, about how chimpanzees - unlike humans - lose interest in their mirror images, before discussing multiple meanings of ’the image’ in Lacan’s theory. We end by considering why the idea of ’your life flashing before your eyes when you die’ makes sense in terms of Lacan’s mirror stage. Link to board: