Why We Want to Be Cyborgs: The Role of Prostheses in the Subject’s Desire

Journal of Integrated Cultural Studies

JICS   Vol. 1, No. 1, 2026, pp.57-67.

Print ISSN: 3105-840X; Online ISSN: 3105-8418

Journal homepage: https://www.icsjournal.com

DOI：Https://doi.org/10.64058/JICS.26.1.06

Why We Want to Be Cyborgs: The Role of Prostheses in the Subject’s Desire

Li Guodong

Abstract: The relationship between prostheses used by cyborgs and the desires of the subject is multifaceted and complex. From a Lacanian perspective, prostheses act as substitutes for the objet a, offering a form of partial satisfaction, yet never fully fulfilling the subject’s desire. Prostheses not only serve as tools for medical reshaping but also play a pivotal role in restoring lost aspects of subjectivity. This dual function complicates the boundary between rehabilitation and enhancement, as prostheses not only correct impairments but also augment human capabilities, transforming people with disabilities into potential “superhumans.” The continual advancement of prosthetic technology leads to an evolution of the body itself, pushing beyond traditional conceptions of subjectivity and fueling the pursuit of the cyborg body’s aesthetic ideal. Prostheses also facilitate the reproduction of desire, which may catalyze a heterogeneous transformation of the subject, re-establishing their identity in profound ways.

Keywords: Cyborg; Prostheses; Disability; Subjectivity; Desire; Enhancement; Lacan

Author Biography: Li Guodong, Lecturer, College of Literary Arts, Southwest University, Research Directions: Literature Theory & Culture Studies. E-mail: zhanni469@163.com.

标题：我们为何想成为赛博格：义体在主体欲望中的作用

摘要：赛博格所用义体与主体欲望之间存在多样且复杂的关联。从拉康的视角来看，义体是“客体a”的替代物，它虽能为主体带来部分满足，却始终无法彻底满足主体的欲望。义体是用于医疗重塑的工具，也是失落的主体性得以恢复的关键。这种双重功能模糊了恢复与增强的边界，因为义体不仅能够治疗身体的残疾，更可以强化人类的能力，使残疾人成为潜在的“超人”。义体技术的持续发展使身体本身得以进化，超越了传统的主体性概念，也催生了人们对赛博格身体美学理想的追求。同时，义体还带来了主体欲望的再生产，这或将引发主体的异质性转变，使其以深刻的方式重建其身份。

关键词：赛博格；义体；残疾；主体性；欲望；增强；拉康

作者简介：李国栋，西南大学文学院讲师。研究方向：文艺理论与文化研究。电邮：zhanni469@163.com。

 Received: 4 Oct. 2025 / Revised: 5 Oct. 2025 / Accepted: 02 Apr. 2026 / Published online: 30 Apr. 2026 / Print published: 30 May 2026.