What Are the Key Concepts Introduced in This Seminar?

In his 1971–72 seminar ...or Worse, Lacan deepens his investigation of the Borromean knot—a topological device that interlinks the real, symbolic, and imaginary registers. He also introduces the controversial procedure of the “pass” (la passe) for the formation of analysts. The seminar anticipates his later work on the sinthome, while the title’s “worse” (pire) signals an ongoing confrontation with the real that resists symbolization. Readers will encounter dense passages on the relationship between knowledge and truth, the function of writing, and the ethics of psychoanalysis. These themes form a complex but rewarding tapestry that demands careful study.

Who Can Benefit from Reading This Book?

This text is designed for those already grounded in psychoanalysis, particularly Lacanian theory. It suits clinicians, academics, and advanced graduate students familiar with Lacan’s earlier seminars. Philosophers, literary theorists, and social scientists with an interest in psychoanalytic concepts will also find rich material. The book presupposes knowledge of concepts such as the symbolic order, the unconscious structured like a language, and the four discourses. Beginners are advised to start with introductory works or earlier seminars like The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis (Book XI) or Écrits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lacan's Seminar XIX

Q: Is this book a direct transcript of Lacan's oral seminar?
A: Yes, the text is based on official stenographic records, edited and annotated by Jacques-Alain Miller. It includes Lacan’s lectures, discussions, and audience responses, providing a vivid sense of his teaching style.

Q: What is the level of difficulty?
A: This is an advanced text. It assumes familiarity with Lacan’s earlier work and the broader context of psychoanalytic theory. It is not recommended as a first to Lacan.

Q: How does this seminar fit into the series?
A: Book XIX follows The Other Side of Psychoanalysis (Book XVII) and On a Discourse That Might Not Be a Semblance (Book XVIII). It leads directly into Encore (Book XX), making it a crucial link in the development of Lacan’s thought.

Q: What is the significance of the title?
A: The title “...or Worse” captures Lacan’s dialectical approach to the real. It suggests that beyond any interpretation, there remains a “worse” that resists meaning—a core theme of the seminar.

Q: Is this book relevant for clinical practice?
A: Yes, although highly theoretical, the concepts explored have direct implications for the direction of the treatment, the position of the analyst, and the ethics of psychoanalysis. It is often studied in advanced clinical training programs.

Disclaimer: This book is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care. For clinical guidance, consult a qualified practitioner.

How Does …or Worse Support Psychoanalytic Work?

Jacques Lacan’s seminar ...or Worse, delivered between 1971 and 1972, stands as a cornerstone of his later teaching. This volume, meticulously edited by Jacques-Alain Miller from original stenographic records, offers an authentic record of Lacan’s evolving thought. For psychoanalysts, clinicians, and scholars, the text provides an invaluable window into the development of key concepts such as the real, the symbolic, the imaginary, and the sinthome. By grappling with the limits of symbolization and the impossibility of fully capturing the real, the seminar challenges practitioners to reconsider the boundaries of interpretation and the role of the analyst. It is an essential resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of Lacanian theory and its clinical applications.