réel

The term "réel" is a French word that translates to "real" in English. It is a multifaceted concept used in various fields, including philosophy, psychoanalysis, and art.

In philosophy, "réel" often refers to that which exists independently of human perception or thought. It signifies objective reality, the world as it is, rather than how it is experienced or understood. This philosophical sense contrasts with subjective experience or conceptualization.

Within psychoanalysis, particularly in the work of Jacques Lacan, "le réel" holds a distinct and complex meaning. It is one of the three fundamental registers, alongside the symbolic and the imaginary. Lacan's "réel" is not the same as everyday reality. Instead, it represents that which is impossible to symbolize, that which resists representation and can only be encountered as a traumatic rupture or an unbearable intensity. It is the raw, undifferentiated state of being, the unsymbolizable core of existence that can never be fully grasped or articulated.

In art and literature, "réel" can be used to denote a commitment to depicting life authentically, without idealization or romanticization. It implies a focus on the gritty, mundane, or even unpleasant aspects of human experience. Artists aiming for "le réel" often seek to present a raw, unvarnished truth about their subjects. The term can also refer to a genre or style that prioritizes verisimilitude and direct representation.