Slavoj Žižek
Abstract
Žižek's exploration of nothingness builds on Lacan and Hegel, suggesting that the subject arises from an absence—a foundational void. Desire emerges from this nothingness, traversing the linguistic chain of signifiers to create meaning. However, the word, as a symbol, never fully captures the essence of the thing it represents, perpetuating the subject's longing. Žižek's analysis deepens our understanding of the structural dynamics at play in subject formation and psychosis.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Psychoanalysis
Philosophy
and Politics
Psychoanalysis and Social Critique
Psychology and Mental Health
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 121–127
- Publication date
- 10 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter