What is it that signifiers do? On the effects of language when meaning is suspended

Target audience

This specialist course is open to researchers from various academic backgrounds and levels. Since this course brings together insights from psychoanalysis, (experimental) psychology and (psycho- and neuro-) linguistics, it is particularly relevant for PhD students affiliated with the following UGent departments: (i) Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, (ii) Department of Linguistics, (iii) Department of Psychoanalysis and Clinical Consulting. Both junior PhD students as well as more experienced PhD researchers are encouraged to take part. PhD students wanting to take part in the specialist course will be asked to submit an application including their academic background as well as a motivation statement.

Organizing and scientific committee

UGent: Prof. Dr. Gertrudis Van de Vijver, Dr. Levi Haeck Gormez, Cato Andriessen, Nicolas Terrie, Raphaël Du Bosch, Marie Sauter, Luis Vega 

Université de Lorraine: Prof. Dr. Ariane Bazan 

Abstract

This interdisciplinary course brings together leading scholars in philosophy, neuro- and psycholinguistics, and (neuro)psychoanalysis to explore how language operates beyond its orthodox function of meaning and representation. Drawing on a research tradition rooted in Freud’s early work, we examine how the phonological and articulatory aspects of language exert a powerful influence on mental life precisely where meaning is suspended—illuminating the autonomous workings of ‘the signifier’ through both theoretical and experimental research. 

Objectives

• Introduce PhD students to the underexplored claim that phonological and articulatory aspects of language organize mental life independently of meaning, tracing this insight from Freud to Lacan
•  Bridge psychoanalytic/clinical observation and traditional experimental disciplines (psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics) vis-à-vis the shared commitment to investigate the autonomy of the signifier
• Probe what the concept of the autonomous signifier can explain in contradistinction to semantic-centred frameworks of language; 
•  Articulate the distinction between the semantic and formal/phonological dimensions of language and explain why this distinction matters for our understanding of the human condition and psychopathology; (v) Critically evaluate clinical and experimental evidence
• Reflect on how the presupposition of a non-semantic aspect of linguistic activity might reshape philosophical models of subjectivity as well as clinical approaches to psychopathology.

Dates and venue

11 December + 12 December 2026

Blandijnberg 2 (UGent) + other locations (to be determined)

Programme

FRIDAY 11 December (Location tbd)

 
SATURDAY 12 December (Blandijn)
 

Registration

• Follow this link for the registration and waiting list. 
• Cancellation of your registration can only be performed by sending an email to doctoralschools@ugent.be.

• The no show policy applies.

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

Maximum 30

Language

English

Training method

Ex-cathedra lectures (9 hours); Discussion/respondent sessions coordinated by PhD students (3 hours); poster presentations (1,5 hours), Oxford-style debate with the main participation of PhD students (1,5 hours)

Evaluation method

All participants are evaluated on the basis of their attendance (they have to take part in all activities) and their active participation in either the poster sessions, general PhD respondent slots, the Oxford-style debate, or a combination of the three.

After successful participation, the Doctoral School Office will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.