philippe daubry

Freud introduced the concept of the paternal function describing the Œdipus complex; where the father forbids the fusion between mother and infant that goes on for too long, adopting the position of the “third”, opening the transition from the natural to the social order. The impact of the paternal function does not rely on the duration nor type of the physical presence of the father, but rather on his position. He represents the Law. The paternal function can be performed by different institutions or persons, not only necessarily the father himself.