The topic "Can liminality be an ethical state—an ongoing practice of becoming that resists closure?" is about whether it is possible to live in a state of being between stages or states of existence without falling into unethical practices or behaviors. Liminality refers to the idea that people can exist in a space where they are neither one thing nor another but have aspects of both things. This means that they may be in transition between two states of being, such as life and death, childhood and adulthood, or freedom and imprisonment.
Ethics refers to moral principles that govern human behavior. An ethical state is one where individuals act according to those principles and values. The notion of liminality challenges this traditional view because it suggests that there are times when people cannot be categorized and must instead remain in flux, which raises questions about how they should behave.
If someone is in the process of dying, they may not yet know what happens after death or how to act towards loved ones who are still living.
Resisting closure implies avoiding definitive answers or solutions for these uncertain situations. Instead, individuals stay open-minded and willing to explore various possibilities. It requires accepting ambiguity and uncertainty, trusting intuition and instincts, and allowing creativity to flow freely. In other words, resisting closure involves remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining core beliefs or values.
While some might argue that this approach could lead to immoral actions, others believe that it offers opportunities for growth and personal development. By acknowledging their limitations and embracing vulnerability, individuals gain new perspectives on themselves and the world around them. They also learn valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, communication, and collaboration.
The article explores whether liminality can be an ethical state—an ongoing practice of becoming that resists closure—by examining its potential benefits and drawbacks. While it poses challenges for individuals seeking stability or certainty, it also offers unique insights into life's complexities and opportunities for transformation.
Can liminality be an ethical state—an ongoing practice of becoming that resists closure?
Liminality refers to the ambiguous and transitional period between two defined states or conditions. It can be viewed as an ethical state if it involves the deliberate creation and maintenance of such a period for philosophical, moral, or spiritual reasons. The process of becoming in this context can involve self-reflection, personal growth, and transformation through challenging one's beliefs and worldview.