Tornare a Sartre. In dialogo con Massimo Recalcati

The contribution published here is based on a transcription of a seminar with Massimo Recalcati (IRPA - Istituto di Ricerca di Psicoanalisi Applicata) which was organised by the Sartre Research Group (Università degli Studi “Roma Tre”) in April 2021 on the occasion of the publication of the volume “Ritorno a Sartre. Esistenza, infanzia e desiderio” (Einaudi). The discussion focuses on the relations, actual and possible, between freedom and destiny in Sartre’s thought. A crucial step along this path is an unprecedented notion of childhood whereby it is conceived not as a transitory and archaeological phase, but as an ‘unassimilable’ plexus that existence must constantly come to terms with. Using a comparison with psychoanalysis, a theme emerges concerning how the Other can “constitute” the life of the subject. At the same time, it is shown that this same life – although “acted” by the Other – can subjectify itself into an unforeseen singularity through the creative freedom that Sartre defines as a “petit décalage”.