The movement from the locked-in structure of twoness to the spacious opening of thirdness is something we subjectively experience as a freeing of our feelings and minds. —Jessica Benjamin 

The psychoanalytic concept of the ‘paternal function’ was initially formulated at a time when the norm of the nuclear family—the triangle comprised of a caregiving mother and her child along with a supportive father—had not yet been called into question. It was then claimed that the father occupies the position of ‘the third’ relative to the primal dyad and, from this position, comes to mediate the eventual psychic separation of mother and child, thereby promoting the child’s individuation and emotional vitality. 

This course will explore the current status of the notion of the paternal function, taking into account the shift witnessed over the last few decades in the composition and configuration of families. We will consider whether the idea of the third continues to be of value in thinking about family dynamics and the psychic well-being of family members. Some of the questions we will investigate are: Does the concept of the father as the third become irrelevant when the biological father, for one reason or another, is not part of the family? Can the function of the third be taken up by another member of the family or a person in the family’s social world? What becomes of the position of the third when two or more adults share the role of primary caregiver? Does the figure of the third ultimately refer to the psychological significance for the child of his or her mother’s capacity to (re)turn to and love someone or something (a practice, value, cause) other than her child? Does the latter scenario imply that the third is a position the mother herself can, in principle, psychically take up on her own in relation to her primal embeddedness in the dyadic relationship with her child?

Books to Purchase:

• Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
• Daughter by Claudia Dey

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 16 students and that TMI does not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Atwater

First Session: Monday, September 16th, 2024

Course Length: 12 weeks, Mondays, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Discussion Team: Danny Schouela, Michael O'Brien

Degree Credit: 3 credits

Course Fee:

$100.00 (New Students)

$160.00 (Standard Tuition)

Administrative Fee:

$40.00

Total:

$140.00 (New Students)

$200.00 (Standard Tuition)

For 12-week courses, fees are refundable in full before the second session. If the participant withdraws after the second course, they will be charged a $50 fee. There is no refund after the third course has passed. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.