Vanishing mediator
Encyclopedia
A vanishing mediator is a concept that exists to mediate between two opposing ideas, as a transition occurs between them. At the point where one idea has been replaced by the other, and the concept is no longer required, the mediator vanishes. In terms of Hegelian dialectics, the conflict between thesis
and antithesis
is resolved by a synthesis of the two ideas, although the synthesis represents the final solution, whereupon the mediator vanishes.
In terms of psychoanalytic theory
, when someone is caught in a dilemma they experience Hysteria
. The conceptual deadlock, exists until the resulting Hysteric breakdown precipitates some kind of resolution, therefore the Hysteria is a vanishing mediator in this case.
In terms of political history
, it refers to social movements, which operate in a particular way to influence politics, until they either are forgotten or change their purpose.
It is a concept that was originally described by Fredric Jameson
:- In The Ideologies of Theory, a two volume compilation of his essays, Jameson first defines the instance of textual unconscious outlined by Jacques Lacan
, before the general idea of a vanishing mediator.
Since, this concept has been adopted by Žižek in "For They Know Not What They Do: Enjoyment as a Political factor", where he uses it in a political sense, similar to Marx's Analysis of Revolution.
Thesis
A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings...
and antithesis
Antithesis
Antithesis is a counter-proposition and denotes a direct contrast to the original proposition...
is resolved by a synthesis of the two ideas, although the synthesis represents the final solution, whereupon the mediator vanishes.
In terms of psychoanalytic theory
Psychoanalytic theory
Psychoanalytic theory refers to the definition and dynamics of personality development which underlie and guide psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy. First laid out by Sigmund Freud, psychoanalytic theory has undergone many refinements since his work...
, when someone is caught in a dilemma they experience Hysteria
Hysteria
Hysteria, in its colloquial use, describes unmanageable emotional excesses. People who are "hysterical" often lose self-control due to an overwhelming fear that may be caused by multiple events in one's past that involved some sort of severe conflict; the fear can be centered on a body part, or,...
. The conceptual deadlock, exists until the resulting Hysteric breakdown precipitates some kind of resolution, therefore the Hysteria is a vanishing mediator in this case.
In terms of political history
Political history
Political history is the narrative and analysis of political events, ideas, movements, and leaders. It is distinct from, but related to, other fields of history such as Diplomatic history, social history, economic history, and military history, as well as constitutional history and public...
, it refers to social movements, which operate in a particular way to influence politics, until they either are forgotten or change their purpose.
It is a concept that was originally described by Fredric Jameson
Fredric Jameson
Fredric Jameson is an American literary critic and Marxist political theorist. He is best known for his analysis of contemporary cultural trends—he once described postmodernism as the spatialization of culture under the pressure of organized capitalism...
:- In The Ideologies of Theory, a two volume compilation of his essays, Jameson first defines the instance of textual unconscious outlined by Jacques Lacan
Jacques Lacan
Jacques Marie Émile Lacan was a French psychoanalyst and psychiatrist who made prominent contributions to psychoanalysis and philosophy, and has been called "the most controversial psycho-analyst since Freud". Giving yearly seminars in Paris from 1953 to 1981, Lacan influenced France's...
, before the general idea of a vanishing mediator.
Since, this concept has been adopted by Žižek in "For They Know Not What They Do: Enjoyment as a Political factor", where he uses it in a political sense, similar to Marx's Analysis of Revolution.