Summary:
This article will discuss the French philosopher Deleuze's critique and construction of the concept of subjectivity in modern times. Deleuze's thought breaks through the boundaries of the traditional concept of subjectivity and proposes a novel and challenging theory of subjectivity. He emphasized the plurality and creativity of the individual, and believed that the stable and unified subject image in the traditional concept ignored the dynamics and diversity of the individual. This article will first introduce the basic theory of Deleuze's view of subjectivity, then analyze his critique of the traditional view of subjectivity, and explore his reconstruction of the relationship between the individual and the world.
I. Introduction
In the development of modern philosophy, the question of subjectivity has always been a core issue. From Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" to Kant's "self-consciousness", and then to the later existentialist philosophy, the subject has always played a central role in philosophical exploration. However, with the rise of poststructuralism, traditional notions of subjectivity have begun to be challenged. As one of the important representatives of post-structuralist thought, Deleuze has put forward a profound critique of the traditional concept of subjectivity, and tried to establish a new framework of subjectivity on the basis of deconstruction.
In Deleuze's view, the traditional concept of subjectivity has various problems and limitations. First of all, the traditional subject is regarded as a closed and stable individual, and this fixed concept of subjectivity ignores the interaction between the individual and the environment and society, and cannot explain the complex and changeable situations in the real world. Secondly, traditional subjectivity puts self-consciousness at the center, emphasizing the unity and constancy of the individual, while ignoring the plurality and contradiction within the individual.
II. Deleuze's Critique of the Modern Subject
A. The Rise and Problems of Modern Philosophy of Subjectivity
The rise of modern philosophy of subjectivity can be traced back to the Enlightenment, particularly the rationalist ideas of Descartes. In Descartes' view, human self-consciousness is the only thing that definitely exists, so "I think, therefore I am" became the cornerstone of his knowledge system. However, this self-centered conception of the subject poses to a series of problems.
First of all, it ignores the relationship between the individual and the external world, regards human beings as subjects isolated from the external world, and ignores the shaping and influence of social, historical, cultural and other factors on the subject. Secondly, this concept of subjectivity regards the individual as a unified, stable, and permanent existence, while ignoring the plurality and contradiction within the individual. Finally, this concept of subjectivity often regards self-consciousness as the source and exerciser of power, which leads to the solidification and legitimacy of power, identity, and social relations, thereby exacerbating social oppression and exclusion.
B. Deleuze's critical rationale for the modern subject
Deleuze's critique of the modern subject is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Opposition to the centrality of the subject: Deleuze argues that the traditional concept of subjectivity puts self-consciousness at the center and emphasizes the unity and constancy of the individual, which makes the subject regarded as a stable and closed entity, ignoring the interaction between the individual and the environment and society.
Critique of the stability of the subject: Deleuze emphasizes the plurality and fluidity of the individual, and he believes that the individual is an open and fluid being, which should not be solidified into a unified and stable entity. He introduced the concepts of "identity shaping" and "identity fusion", emphasizing the diversity and plasticity of individual identities.
Challenging the power structure of the subject: Deleuze criticizes the traditional concept of the subject as the source and wielder of power, arguing that this power structure leads to the solidification and legitimization of power, identity, and social relations, and exacerbates social oppression and exclusion. Therefore, he tried to break this power structure and provide new theoretical support for the free development of individuals in the social, cultural, political and other fields.
C. Deconstruction of modern subjectivity and a poststructuralist perspective
Deleuze's critique of the subject unfolds within the framework of poststructuralism. Poststructuralism argues that the traditional notion of subjectivity has inherent limitations and problems that need to be deconstructed and reconstructed. Through the deconstruction of the subject, Deleuze tries to break the shackles of the traditional concept of subjectivity and provide a new space for the plurality and creativity of the individual. He emphasized the interaction between the individual and the environment and society, emphasized the diversity and plasticity of individual identity, and at the same time challenged the traditional power structure in an attempt to liberate the power and identity of the individual.
III. After Deconstruction: The Emergence of Pluralism
A. The Concept and Meaning of Pluralism
Deleuze's concept of pluralism is a subversive challenge to the traditional notion of subjectivity. Traditionally, the subject has been seen as a unified, stable entity, while Deleuze sees it as a being of diversity and fluidity. Pluralism emphasizes the complexity and diversity of individuals, arguing that individuals are not fixed entities, but are constantly changing and evolving. The emergence of this pluralism means that human beings are no longer confined to the framework of traditional subjectivity, but have greater freedom and creativity. Individuals are no longer fixed into a specific identity or role, but can be freely shaped and reconstructed according to their own needs and situations.
The emergence of pluralism is significant. First of all, it provides a broader space for the free development of the individual. The traditional concept of subjectivity often regards the individual as a specific entity or role, which restricts the individual's development and creation. The emergence of pluralism breaks down this limitation and provides the possibility for individuals to freely express and realize their needs and desires in different contexts.
Second, the emergence of pluralism makes it easier for individuals to adapt to complex and changing social environments. In today's society, social changes and cultural collisions are becoming more and more frequent, and the traditional concept of subjectivity is often unable to meet the needs of individuals and adapt to social changes. The emergence of pluralism makes individuals more flexible and can better adapt to changes in society and respond to different challenges.
B. How does Deleuze transcend the framework of subjectivity?
Deleuze transcends the traditional framework of subjectivity through the concept of plurality. He argues that the traditional concept of subjectivity regards the individual as a unified and stable entity, while ignoring the plurality and fluidity within the individual. Therefore, he tries to break the shackles of the traditional concept of subjectivity and provide new space for the diversity and creativity of individuals.
Deleuze first emphasized that the identity of the individual is diverse and varied. He believes that the individual is not a fixed entity, but a process of constant change and evolution. Individual identities can be freely shaped and reconstructed according to different situations and needs, without being limited by traditional notions of subjectivity. This diversity and plasticity of identities enables individuals to better adapt to the complex and changeable social environment, so as to achieve the free development and creation of individuals.
Second, Deleuze emphasizes the interaction between the individual and the environment and society. The traditional concept of subjectivity often regards the individual as an existence isolated from the outside world, and ignores the interaction between the individual and the environment and society. Deleuze believes that the individual is an existence that interacts with the environment and society, and that the individual's identity and behavior are influenced and shaped by various factors such as society, culture, and history. Therefore, in order to understand the individual, it is necessary to start from the interaction between the individual and the environment and society, rather than looking at the individual in isolation.
C. The emancipation of subject and identity: Deleuze's view of pluralism
Deleuze's concept of pluralism seeks to liberate subjects and identities, and to provide new possibilities for the free development and creation of the individual. He emphasized the diversity and plasticity of the individual, arguing that the individual is not a fixed entity, but an open and fluid existence. Individuals can freely shape and reconstruct according to different situations and needs, without being limited by traditional notions of subjectivity.
In Deleuze's view, the emancipation of the individual needs to be carried out at multiple levels: first, the individual needs to liberate himself from the dependence and constraints of the traditional concept of subjectivity, and realize that the identity of the individual is diverse and changeable, and is not limited by the traditional concept of subjectivity. Second, individuals need to liberate themselves from the solidification and legitimacy of power, identity, and social relations, and realize that such solidification and justification are obstacles to the free development of individuals.
IV. Creative Construction
A. Deleuze's creative philosophical thought
Deleuze's creative philosophical ideas profoundly influenced the understanding of subjectivity and identity. He believes that creativity is one of the most basic attributes of the individual, and it is the key to the individual's interaction with the world. In Deleuze's theoretical framework, creativity is not just the prerogative of the artist or thinker, but the potential that every individual possesses.
Deleuze emphasized the relationship between creativity and freedom. He believes that creativity is manifested by the individual in a state of freedom, and only when the individual liberates his own shackles and lets go of his imagination and creativity, can creativity be fully developed. Therefore, Deleuze calls on individuals to break away from traditional notions of subjectivity and to bravely explore and create their own identity and world.
B. Construction and reshaping of creative subjects
Deleuze's view of the creative subject emphasizes the autonomy and diversity of the individual. He believes that instead of passively accepting the existence of external reality, individuals are able to freely shape and reconstruct their own identity and world. In Deleuze's view, the creative subject is not only an attribute of the individual, but also a process of continuous construction and reshaping of the individual in practice.
The construction and reshaping of the creative subject requires individuals to constantly dialogue and interact with their own identity and environment. Individuals need to constantly explore and challenge their own limitations, expand their imagination and creativity, and achieve self-realization and self-transcendence. In this process, individuals are constantly communicating and cooperating with others and society to create new possibilities and realities.
C. Deleuze's "imperceptible" relevance to the creative subject
Deleuze emphasizes the relevance of the concept of "the imperceptible" to the creative subject. He argues that at the heart of the creative subject is the "imperceptible" power and potential within the individual, which are deep, unconscious parts of the individual that are often overlooked or ignored.
"Difficult to perceive" is the source and motivation of individual creativity. It is a force within the individual, which can stimulate the imagination and creativity of the individual, and promote the continuous exploration and practice of the individual. Deleuze argues that it is only when individuals are able to perceive and explore the "imperceptible" within themselves that true creativity can be realized, breaking the traditional framework of subjectivity and creating new possibilities and realities.
V. Deleuze's plurality of subjectivity and the meaning of creativity
A. Paradigm shift in philosophy: from subjectivity to pluralism and creativity
Deleuze's thought marks a philosophical paradigm shift from the traditional notion of subjectivity to a pluralistic and creative understanding. The traditional concept of subjectivity regards the individual as a stable and unified being, and it believes that the individual realizes the self through passive cognition and reaction to external reality. However, Deleuze challenges this notion by asserting that the individual is a pluralistic, dynamic process whose self-realization is achieved through creative action and constant change.
In Deleuze's theory, plurality and creativity become the key attributes of the individual. The individual is no longer seen as a closed subject, but as an open, ever-changing process. The identity and world of the individual are realized through continuous creation and reconstruction, rather than through passive acceptance and adaptation to external reality. This shift represents a paradigm shift in philosophy, allowing us to better understand the relationship between the individual and the world, as well as the individual's own potential and possibilities.
B. The Social and Political Significance of Deleuze's View of Subjectivity
Deleuze's conception of subjectivity has important social and political implications. Traditional conceptions of subjectivity tend to see the individual as a passive recipient of the social and political order, and the individual is expected to act in accordance with established norms and values. However, Deleuze's view of subjectivity emphasizes the creativity and freedom of the individual, and advocates that the individual should break free from the shackles of tradition and bravely explore and practice his own identity and world.
In the social and political spheres, Deleuze's conception of subjectivity calls for individuals to participate in social and political transformation. Individuals should not passively accept the existing social order and power structure, but should actively participate in the process of social change and promote the pluralistic development and innovation of society. The creative actions of individuals and the expression of multiple identities will bring new vitality and possibilities to society and politics, and promote social progress and development.
C. The artistic and cultural implications of Deleuze's view of subjectivity
Deleuze's concept of subjectivity also has important implications for the field of art and culture. The traditional view of subjectivity often regards artists and cultural producers as a special kind of existence, whose creativity is considered to be a privilege beyond ordinary people. However, Deleuze's view of subjectivity emphasizes that each individual has creative potential, and that the creation of art and culture should not be confined to a few.
In the field of art and culture, Deleuze's concept of subjectivity calls on individuals to express and practice their imagination and creativity bravely. Individuals should break away from traditional artistic and cultural norms, dare to challenge and break through the boundaries of tradition, and create new art forms and cultural expressions. Creative action in art and culture will bring new aesthetic experiences and cultural values to society, enriching and diversifying people's lives.
VI. Conclusion
In this article, we delve into Deleuze's critique and construction of the modern subject. Through his critique of the traditional concept of subjectivity, Deleuze proposed a new theory of subjectivity, emphasizing the plurality and creativity of individuals. He believes that the traditional concept of subjectivity regards the individual as a stable and unified existence, while ignoring the dynamics and diversity of the individual. As such, Deleuze seeks to reimagine subjectivity, seeing the individual as an open, ever-changing process whose identity and world are realized through constant creation and reconstruction.
Through the analysis of Deleuze's view of subjectivity, we can see that his theory has had a profound impact. Deleuze's view of subjectivity challenges the limitations of traditional notions of subjectivity and provides us with a new perspective on the relationship between the individual and the world. His theories emphasize the creativity and freedom of the individual, and call on the individual to break free from the shackles of tradition and bravely explore and practice his own identity and world. Therefore, Deleuze's conception of subjectivity has important philosophical, social and political, artistic and cultural significance.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Dosse, François. Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari: Intersecting Lives. Columbia University Press, 2010.
May, Todd. Gilles Deleuze: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 2005.
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