The concept of illusion in psychoanalysis: Ideal state or potential space?

Abstract

This paper discusses different interpretations of the notion of illusion in contemporary psychoanalysis. First, it resumes Freud's contributions about the main role of illusion in the building up of civilization which reaches its highest point in 1927 with his final definition of illusion. Next, it presents two different theoretical developments of the notion of illusion represented by D. Winnicott's area of illusion and J. Chasseguet-Smirgel's realm of illusion. Finally, it discusses comparatively D. Winnicott's and J. Chasseguet-Smirgel's definitions of illusion, suggesting that both contribute to a better understanding of pathology and normality in contemporary society.