symbolic order

is concerned with with language and narrative, about entering into language and thereby accepting the rules and dictates of society, enabling one to deal with others. (whereas the imaginary is all about equations and identifications).

The Symbolic Order (or the 'big Other'). Whereas the imaginary is all about equations and identifications, the symbolic is about language and narrative. Once a child enters into language and accepts the rules and dictates of society, it is able to deal with others. The acceptance of language's rules is aligned with the Oedipus complex, according to Lacan. (NET)

is irreducible to the orders of the real and the imaginary.

the positing of a symbolic order, irreducible to the orders of the real and the imaginary, and deeper than they are. We do not yet know what this symbolic element consist of. We can say at least that the corresponding structure has no relationship with a sensible form, nor with a figure of the imagination, nor with an intelligible essence. It has nothing to do with a form: for structure is not at all defined by an autonomy of the whole, by a preeminence [pregnance] of the whole over its parts, by a Gestalt which would operate in the real and in perception. (Deleuze 'desert islands' 2002: 173)

is non-psychological in its character. When the t.V. Does the laughing for me, when 'greeting' does the harmony for me, I accomplish a task concerning my inner feelings and beliefs without really mobilizing these inner states.

This brings us to the next feature of the symbolic order: its non-psychological character. When I believe through another or have my beliefs externalized in the ritual I mechanically follow, when I laugh the TV set emanating canned laughter or do the work of mourning through weepers, I accomplish a task concerning my inner feelings and beliefs without really mobilizing these inner states. Therein resides the enigmatic status of what we call 'politeness': when, upon meeting an acquaintance, I say 'Glad to see you! How are you today'', it is clear to both of us that, in a way, I do not mean it seriously (if my acquaintance suspects that I am really interested, he may even be unpleasantly surprised, as though I were aiming at something too intimate and of no concern to me or, to paraphrase the old Freudian joke, 'Why are you saying you're glad to see me, when you're really glad to see me''). (Zizek 'how to read lacan' : 27)

is not a kind of spiritual substance existing independently of individuals, but something that is sustained by their continuous activity. Nevertheless, when individuals exchange symbols, they do not simply interact with each other, but always also refer to the virtual big other.

the symbolic order is not a kind of spiritual substance existing independently of individuals, but something that is sustained by their continuous activity. However, the provenance of the big Other is still unclear. How is it that, when individuals exchange symbols, they do not simply interact with each other, but always also refer to the virtual big Other' (ZIzek 'how to read lacan... : 11)

's structure has no relationship with a sensible form, nor with a figure of the imagination, nor with an intelligible essence.

is so called because ‘symbolic’ is suggestive of the signifier and ‘order’ because language is a discipline that recruits and forbids in one breath.

In a sense, ‘good’ subjects take on both, inheriting the Father’s values along with his name, which is to say, we take up a place in society on condition that we reproduce its signifying practices, derived from the big Other. Lacan calls this the symbolic order: ‘symbolic’ because signifiers are symbols; ‘order’ because language is a discipline that recruits and forbids in one breath.

is the discipline which is the condition of the ability to symbolize or signify; the order of language and culture.

symbolic order: the discipline which is the condition of the ability to symbolize or signify; the order of language and culture.

symbolic order, n.Definitions

symbolic order