ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part deals with different aspects of the death-drive and argues that the death-drive cannot be equated with a simple death-wish, as is so often proclaimed in psychoanalytic circles. It is demonstrated that addiction has various connections to the death-drive and is concerned with the symbolic and the imaginary as the representational aspects of the death-drive. The part is also concerned with the real aspect of the death-drive: the realm that is situated beyond symbolic and imaginary representation, but also beyond normal daily pleasure. It also deals with the psychopathology and addiction. A psychopathology that is exclusively based on empirical, positivist or descriptive science will run into difficulties in terms of understanding the complexities involved in addiction. The part considers addiction to be a particular social bond and argues the relevance of the involvement of a discourse that aims at the responsibility of the subject.
