Introduction
Abstract
This Introduction takes as an example an experiment with dolphins to start the distinction between what zoology understands as the ‘self-recognition’ of animals and what Jacques Lacan called ‘the mirror stage.’ It also includes some comments on the French translation of the Lacanian distinction between moi/je, as well as the main texts from Lacan’s ‘Imaginary period’ that will be used for the rest of the work. Finally, a comment on the ways traditional cultural studies have approached ‘identity’ serves as a preamble to inquire the nature of this concept in Freud.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Psychoanalysis
Philosophy
and Politics
Psychoanalysis and Social Critique
French Literature and Criticism
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 1–6
- Publication date
- 11 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter