The Language of History and its Immanent Critique: From Lacanian Discourse Analysis to Marxist Revolutionary Practice

Open Access

Abstract

This article reflects on the relationship between Lacanian Discourse Analysis and Marxism, critical psychology, political action, revolutionary practice and the events of history. In addition, it underlines the historical nature of discourse and its analysis, excluding the existence of an analytical ahistorical metalanguage. This exclusion is the starting point for the reincorporation of history into the discursive sphere, an elucidation of how discourse and discourse analysis can deal with historical events, a discussion on how such events can be dominated by comprehension and explanation and a consideration of the possibility of keeping alive the flame of history and revolution through Lacanian Discourse Analysis.