Who Am I? The Self/Subject According to Psychoanalytic Theory

The article argues that the importation into psychoanalytic theoryof the terms “self” and “subject” is neither true to Freud’s intentions, nor necessary,nor helpful. Having observed how Freud undermined these concepts in both hisTopographical Model and Structural Model, the article turns to the position of Ogden.Two of his contributions masterfully deconstruct the concept of “the subject” through aselection of positions advocated by Freud, Klein, and Winnicott. But he then revitalizesthe concept in his own way, claiming it to be “central” and “irreducible.” This articleargues for a more radical stance than Ogden’s; whereas Ogden is reductionist with regardto the subject, this article argues for eliminativism