The Insectile and the Deconstruction of the Non/Human

The Insectile and the Deconstruction of the Non/Human explores the foundational but often overlooked role of the insectile in subject formation, tracking entomological events across psychoanalysis, seventeenth-century still life painting, nineteenth-century novels, and post-1970s film. It argues that entomological fascination, driven by the dynamic between form and formlessness, is a resistance to and a fantasy of total form. By examining Lacanian psychoanalysis, the book aims to undertake a broader deconstruction of the human by emphasizing its implications in the insectile, offering a valuable resource for posthumanities debates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Insectile and the Deconstruction of the Non/Human delves into the profound yet often overlooked significance of the insectile in the formation of subjects, tracing the entomological events like buzzing, hatching, and molting across various archives, including psychoanalysis, seventeenth-century still life painting, nineteenth-century novels, and post-1970s films. Through meticulous analysis, the book explores a fascinating phenomenon known as entomological fascination, which it defines as the interplay between subjectivity, fascination, and the insectile. This exploration is propelled by the central dynamic between form and formlessness, leading to a comprehensive understanding of entomological fascination that encompasses both a resistance to and a fantasy of total form.

To support its argument, the book turns to Lacanian psychoanalysis, recognizing the pivotal role of fascination and the insectile in Lacan's work. Lacan's ultimate objective is to undertake a broader deconstruction of the so-called human by emphasizing its implications in the insectile. Interestingly, Lacan is often overlooked in discussions within posthumanities, thereby missing a valuable resource: the Lacanian archive can be explored to unravel the dimensions of the posthuman in its insectile 'forms.'

In the first chapter, the book establishes the foundational role of the insectile in subject formation. It explores how the insect's physical characteristics, such as its small size, fragility, and invisibility, have shaped human perceptions and interpretations of the natural world. The chapter also highlights the historical and cultural significance of insects, from their symbolic meanings in ancient civilizations to their role in scientific discovery and artistic representation. By examining the insectile's presence in various artistic and cultural contexts, the book establishes a framework for understanding the complex relationship between humans and insects.

The second chapter delves into the entomological fascination phenomenon. It defines entomological fascination as the constellation between subjectivity, fascination, and the insectile. The chapter explores how fascination with insects has been expressed through various forms of art, literature, and scientific inquiry. It also examines the psychological and physiological mechanisms that drive entomological fascination, including the evolutionary advantages of being attracted to insects and the role of disgust in regulating human behavior. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the chapter sheds light on the enduring allure of insects and their impact on human culture.

In the third chapter, the book turns to Lacanian psychoanalysis to further explore the relationship between fascination and the insectile. It argues that fascination with insects is driven by the central dynamic between form and formlessness. Lacan's concept of the mirror stage is used to illustrate how infants develop a sense of self through their fascination with their own reflection in the mirror. The book then applies this concept to the entomological fascination, suggesting that individuals develop a sense of self through their fascination with the insectile, which represents a form of self-reflection and self-awareness.

The fourth chapter explores the implications of entomological fascination for the deconstruction of the non/human. It argues that entomological fascination provides a means to challenge the boundaries between humans and non-humans, blurring the lines between the natural and the artificial. The chapter also examines how entomological fascination can be used to critique dominant ideologies and power structures that perpetuate human exceptionalism and the exploitation of non-human life. By highlighting the similarities between humans and insects, the book encourages a rethinking of our relationship with the natural world and the role of the non/human in shaping our existence.

In the fifth chapter, the book concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of its analysis. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the insectile as a vital component of the natural world and the significance of engaging with it in a respectful and ethical manner. The book also calls for a more interdisciplinary approach to studying the posthuman, one that incorporates insights from various fields, including biology, philosophy, and cultural studies. By integrating these diverse perspectives, the book aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of the posthuman and its relationship with the insectile.

In conclusion, The Insectile and the Deconstruction of the Non/Human offers a groundbreaking exploration of the foundational yet often overlooked role of the insectile in subject formation, tracking entomological events across various archives. Through its meticulous analysis, the book unveils the profound significance of entomological fascination as a constellation between subjectivity, fascination, and the insectile. By turning to Lacanian psychoanalysis, the book provides a compelling argument for undertaking a broader deconstruction of the so-called human by insisting on its implications in the insectile. By highlighting the similarities between humans and insects, the book encourages a rethinking of our relationship with the natural world and the role of the non/human in shaping our existence. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the boundaries between humans and non-humans, the complexities of subjectivity, and the implications of the posthuman in its insectile 'forms.'

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 227 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032345512