The Mathematical Unconscious

For our 6th event this term, Psychoanalysis Society veteran Edward will be delivering a presentation on the relationship between philosophy and mathematics, particularly the lack of attention paid to French mathematical philosophy. Abstract follows:

In France at the turn of the last century, Jean Cavaillès and Albert Lautman---before being martyred by the Nazis in their struggle against occupation---forwarded a new relationship between mathematics and philosophy on the eve of the positivist menace.

From Lacan to Althusser to Badiou, it is difficult to overstate the (at least for us Americans, subterranean) influence they have had on philosophy. Both aimed to make mathematics intelligible as an experimental, although not empirical, and historical, although not historicist, activity. Unified, but self-stratified. Dynamic, but absolute.

Despite falling on, respectively, the left and right wings of what Fernando Zalamea has described as a /dynamic platonism/, Cavaillès and Lautman ostensibly achieved this aim. In the process they sketched a series of concepts (novelty without transcendence, logical time, structure and subject) which remain central to understanding the ensuing 80 years, and perhaps the next 80.

This talk will argue that the lack of attention paid to French mathematical philosophy has dealt a blow to the correct reception of claims such as 'the subject of science is the subject of psychoanalysis', all too often fixated on Koyré. But I will also introduce and invite people to Cavaillès and Lautman's work more broadly.

Whether you're already familiar with French mathematical philosophy or bewildered by the concept, this is a great opportunity to engage with philosophy from within a psychoanalytic setting!

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Room: 3.320 @ 6pm

As always, we will reconvene in Top Bar afterwards:)

Attendance is open to all, free of charge, as per usual!!

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