Abstract
This paper presents the theory of French neurophysiologist Michel Jouvet that REM dreaming sleep acts as a genetic programming mechanism for the brain in utero. In addition the French neurobiologist Jean-Didier Vincent in his book Biology of Passions provides a great deal of research material concerning the development of the fetus as a desiring subject. This material is presented in support of the general theory of desire principally developed by French psychoanalysts Francoise Dolto and Jacques Lacan. It is shown that at the time of birth the fetus has already developed a desiring attachment to the conditions in the womb and that the act of being born does represent a rupture to its established desiring patterns thus reinforcing and explaining all the theory that has emerged concerning the trauma of birth.
Highlights
It has been known for decades that the fetus in utero spends most of its time in a state akin to REM (Rapid-Eye-Movement) dreaming sleep
If we combine Jouvet’s theory about fetal dreams with the theory of neurobiologist and philosopher Jean-Didier Vincent concerning the Biology of Passions we come up with a clear concept of what is being programmed into the developing brain
We shall look at the writings of a variety of theorists and psychoanalysts including those of Françoise Dolto and Jacques Lacan concerning the source and nature of desire with a view to arriving at some sort of understanding of our psychological heritage
Summary
It has been known for decades that the fetus in utero spends most of its time in a state akin to REM (Rapid-Eye-Movement) dreaming sleep. There seems to be little doubt that this state of sleep is a key factor in the development of the central nervous system.[1] This article will examine the complementary theory of Michel Jouvet that the fetal dreams are responsible for programming the developing brain in utero. If we combine Jouvet’s theory about fetal dreams with the theory of neurobiologist and philosopher Jean-Didier Vincent concerning the Biology of Passions we come up with a clear concept of what is being programmed into the developing brain. We shall look at the writings of a variety of theorists and psychoanalysts including those of Françoise Dolto and Jacques Lacan concerning the source and nature of desire with a view to arriving at some sort of understanding of our psychological heritage
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