The concept of temporality has been explored extensively in philosophy, particularly within the fields of ontology, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind. Temporality refers to the experience of time, how it is structured and organized, and how humans perceive and experience it. Non-binary temporality, however, introduces new dimensions and perspectives into this discussion, challenging traditional views on time and prompting philosophers to rethink their assumptions about its nature. In this essay, I will explore how non-binary temporality informs philosophical reflection on growth, self-actualization, and personal evolution, focusing on three key ideas - the past, present, and future - and discuss the implications for understanding our own subjectivity and agency.
Past, present, and future
Non-binary temporality suggests that time is not linear or unidirectional but rather cyclical and interconnected. This means that events in the past can influence events in the present, while the present contains traces of the past and anticipates the future. As philosopher Henri Bergson argues, "the past is always present with us; it surrounds us on every side" (Bergson 1983, p. 27). This idea challenges the notion of a fixed or objective past, as it emphasizes the role of memory and interpretation in shaping our perception of the past. Moreover, non-binary temporality suggests that the present moment is constantly evolving and changing, creating opportunities for growth and development that are informed by both the past and the future.
Growth, self-actualization, and personal evolution
These concepts are central to human experience and development, yet they are often seen through a linear lens, where one event or stage leads directly to another. Non-binary temporality, however, complicates this view, suggesting that growth and self-actualization are not linear processes but rather dynamic ones that unfold within complex temporal structures.
Self-actualization may involve revisiting past experiences and reinterpreting them in light of new knowledge or insights, allowing individuals to learn from their mistakes and develop new understandings of themselves. Similarly, personal evolution may be influenced by both past and future expectations, providing individuals with opportunities to explore new possibilities and take risks.
The concept of non-binary temporality raises important questions about the nature of time, subjectivity, and agency. By challenging traditional views of time, it forces philosophers to consider how we structure and perceive time, and how these structures shape our understanding of ourselves and others. As Bergson writes, "Time is not what it appears to be - it is not a series of discontinuous instants which flow into each other" (Bergson 1983, p. 27). Instead, it is an interconnected whole that requires us to rethink our relationship to it, as well as to our own potential for growth and transformation.
How does non-binary temporality inform philosophical reflection on growth, self-actualization, and personal evolution?
Temporality is a concept that refers to the experience of time, which can be linear or cyclical. Non-binary temporality means that we do not confine ourselves to just one way of experiencing time but rather recognize that it takes many forms. This perspective has implications for how we understand growth, self-actualization, and personal evolution as there are multiple ways to measure these concepts based on our experience with time.