Formalizing Lacanian psychoanalysis through the free energy principle
This study presents a computational formalization of Lacanian psychoanalysis using the framework of the free energy principle (FEP)—a theoretical framework for modeling self-organizing systems across multiple scales. We first examine the theoretical compatibility between the two frameworks, highligh...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1574650/full |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1850138688727547904 |
|---|---|
| author | Lingyu Li Chunbo Li Chunbo Li Chunbo Li |
| author_facet | Lingyu Li Chunbo Li Chunbo Li Chunbo Li |
| author_sort | Lingyu Li |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study presents a computational formalization of Lacanian psychoanalysis using the framework of the free energy principle (FEP)—a theoretical framework for modeling self-organizing systems across multiple scales. We first examine the theoretical compatibility between the two frameworks, highlighting their shared (1) Kantian epistemological foundations regarding the unknowability of reality, (2) constructive nature of internal representational systems, (3) non-linear temporal dynamics that combine prediction and retrospection, and (4) emphasis on representation failures as key driving forces. Building on these convergences, we develop a computational framework that implements core Lacanian concepts through the FEP framework. Through multi-level simulations, this framework captures the interdependence of three orders as a message-passing network, formalizes desire as generalized synchronization between subjects' Symbolic orders, and models the Other through collective dynamics. This FEP-based reformulation renders traditionally obscure Lacanian concepts computationally tractable, thereby establishing a conceptual bridge between Lacanian psychoanalytic insights and cognitive science. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ddf1349408544fa08c5e5b8eca5de565 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-ddf1349408544fa08c5e5b8eca5de5652025-08-20T02:30:31ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-06-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15746501574650Formalizing Lacanian psychoanalysis through the free energy principleLingyu Li0Chunbo Li1Chunbo Li2Chunbo Li3Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaShanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaSchool of Psychology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, ChinaThis study presents a computational formalization of Lacanian psychoanalysis using the framework of the free energy principle (FEP)—a theoretical framework for modeling self-organizing systems across multiple scales. We first examine the theoretical compatibility between the two frameworks, highlighting their shared (1) Kantian epistemological foundations regarding the unknowability of reality, (2) constructive nature of internal representational systems, (3) non-linear temporal dynamics that combine prediction and retrospection, and (4) emphasis on representation failures as key driving forces. Building on these convergences, we develop a computational framework that implements core Lacanian concepts through the FEP framework. Through multi-level simulations, this framework captures the interdependence of three orders as a message-passing network, formalizes desire as generalized synchronization between subjects' Symbolic orders, and models the Other through collective dynamics. This FEP-based reformulation renders traditionally obscure Lacanian concepts computationally tractable, thereby establishing a conceptual bridge between Lacanian psychoanalytic insights and cognitive science.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1574650/fullactive inferencefree energy principleLacanpsychoanalysisneuropsychoanalysis |
| spellingShingle | Lingyu Li Chunbo Li Chunbo Li Chunbo Li Formalizing Lacanian psychoanalysis through the free energy principle Frontiers in Psychology active inference free energy principle Lacan psychoanalysis neuropsychoanalysis |
| title | Formalizing Lacanian psychoanalysis through the free energy principle |
| title_full | Formalizing Lacanian psychoanalysis through the free energy principle |
| title_fullStr | Formalizing Lacanian psychoanalysis through the free energy principle |
| title_full_unstemmed | Formalizing Lacanian psychoanalysis through the free energy principle |
| title_short | Formalizing Lacanian psychoanalysis through the free energy principle |
| title_sort | formalizing lacanian psychoanalysis through the free energy principle |
| topic | active inference free energy principle Lacan psychoanalysis neuropsychoanalysis |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1574650/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT lingyuli formalizinglacanianpsychoanalysisthroughthefreeenergyprinciple AT chunboli formalizinglacanianpsychoanalysisthroughthefreeenergyprinciple AT chunboli formalizinglacanianpsychoanalysisthroughthefreeenergyprinciple AT chunboli formalizinglacanianpsychoanalysisthroughthefreeenergyprinciple |