A study on unconscious learning: Focusing on Deleuze's concept of learning-subject

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to illustrate that learning occurs at the learner's unconscious rather than conscious level by exploring Deleuze's theory of ontology/subjectivity. Methods Leibniz's monadology and ontology were utilized to study crucial components of Deleuze's ontology and subjectivity. The nature of the learning-subject in Deleuze's theory of learning was also investigated in light of these entity and subject theories. Results This study shed light on the ‘learning-subject as an unconscious expressive subject’ idea given by Deleuze's ontology/subjectivity theory. The unconscious learning-subject can be drawn from Leibniz's notion of ‘diverging monads’ and Deleuze's theory of ‘intense body’, which is presupposed in operating in ‘a zone of embry-onic-larval expression below awareness or before individuation’. Conclusions Learning happens at the level of unconsciousness, which is the level below awareness, in accordance with Deleuze's learning-subject theory.