The Philosophical Potential of Subjectivity in the Light of Jacques Lacan's Concept of Fear

Taking Jacques Lacan's concept of fear as a starting point, Szarbat examines the philosophical potential of subjectivity. The first half of the article focuses on the concept of fear in the light of Lacan's theory of subjectivity. Here, fear does not lack an object but always refers to one, signalling cuts in the sphere of the subject's structure. It appears where that structure is marked by shattering, fragmentation or lack of unity, and it is closely related to the desire of the Other. Szabat's analyses is based on Lacan's fullest account of his theory of fear in his seminar Langoisse. The second part complements Lacan's considerations on subjectivity and fear with reflections on fear and desire by philosophers such as Emmanuel Levinas and Paul Ricoeur. Szabat also enriches the debate on the potential of subjectivity that results from the ability to experience fear and desire by referring to the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant, a frequent reference for Lacan.