Desiring-production

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Desiring-production is a term coined by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari in their seminal work, Anti-Oedipus. It refers to the mechanism by which desire, a fundamental element of human nature, is socially produced and regulated. In the context of psychoanalysis, desiring-production is a concept that challenges traditional notions of the unconscious and the subject.

Concept[edit | edit source]

Desiring-production is a concept that combines elements of Marxist economic theory with Freudian psychoanalysis. It posits that desire is not a simple, individual impulse, but a complex social and economic phenomenon. Desire is not just produced by the individual, but is also a productive force in itself, contributing to the creation of social and economic structures.

In Anti-Oedipus, Deleuze and Guattari argue against the traditional Freudian conception of the unconscious as a 'theatre' where repressed desires play out. Instead, they propose that the unconscious is a 'factory' or a 'production line' where desires are constantly being produced and reproduced. This production is not just metaphorical, but has real, tangible effects on the world.

Implications for Medicine[edit | edit source]

The concept of desiring-production has significant implications for the field of medicine, particularly in the areas of mental health and psychotherapy. It suggests that mental illnesses and disorders may not be simply the result of individual pathology, but could also be influenced by broader social and economic factors. This perspective can inform treatment approaches, encouraging a more holistic view of mental health that takes into account the patient's social and economic context.

Criticism[edit | edit source]

While the concept of desiring-production has been influential in many fields, it has also been subject to criticism. Some critics argue that it is overly abstract and difficult to apply in practical terms. Others suggest that it downplays the role of individual agency in the production of desire.

See Also[edit | edit source]





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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD