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jouissance

n. in the theory of French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan (1901–1981), enjoyment or pleasure that goes beyond mere satisfaction of an instinct. Such pleasure is seen as a subversive and destabilizing force. The term was later adopted by literary and philosophical critics in the traditions of deconstruction and poststructuralism. [French, literally: “enjoyment,” “pleasure”]

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Psychology term of the day

February 28th 2025

amphetamine psychosis

amphetamine psychosis

see amphetamine-induced psychotic disorder.