The concept of queer temporality is a relatively recent one in philosophy that has gained significant attention among scholars in recent years. It refers to the idea that time can be experienced differently based on one's gender identity and sexual orientation. In contrast to traditional conceptions of time being linear and universal, queer temporality posits that time may be nonlinear, subjective, and relative. This raises important questions about how we conceive of progress and what it means for individuals who experience time in ways that are different from those who are cisgender and heterosexual. Queer temporality calls for a rethinking of moral progress as a collective endeavor rather than an individual one because it challenges assumptions about time as a fixed and objective measure.
Queer Temporality
Queer temporality challenges traditional understandings of time in several ways. First, it suggests that time is not universal but rather varies depending on factors such as gender identity and sexual orientation.
Some people may perceive time passing more quickly or slowly based on their experiences of oppression and marginalization. Second, queer temporality argues that time is not static but rather dynamic and subjective. People may experience time differently due to various factors such as trauma or social norms. Third, queer temporality contends that time is not linear but rather cyclical and recursive. This means that past events can influence present ones and vice versa, creating a feedback loop whereby history repeats itself.
Rethinking Moral Progress
This understanding of time has implications for our conceptions of moral progress. Traditionally, moral progress has been understood as the march toward greater equality and justice over time.
This understanding assumes that there is a single trajectory toward progress that everyone should follow. It also implies that moral progress is something that happens individually and does not account for structural barriers that prevent certain groups from experiencing progress. Queer temporality, however, suggests that moral progress should be viewed as a collective effort. Instead of focusing on individuals achieving personal moral growth, we should focus on how society as a whole can work towards a more just future.
Collective Action
To achieve this kind of moral progress, collective action is necessary. Individual actions alone cannot create lasting change when they are operating within structures that perpetuate inequality. We need to work together to dismantle these systems and create new ones that prioritize equity. This requires collaboration across different identities and perspectives.
White people who have privilege in one area must recognize their complicity in systems of oppression and work alongside others who experience discrimination in those areas. Only then can we make real progress toward a more just world.
Queer temporality challenges traditional understandings of time and calls for a rethinking of moral progress as a collective endeavor rather than an individual one. By recognizing that time can be experienced differently based on factors such as gender identity and sexual orientation, we can begin to understand how social norms shape our perceptions of time. This knowledge can help us move beyond individualistic models of moral progress and instead focus on creating a more just world through collective action.
How does queer temporality call for a rethinking of moral progress as a collective, rather than individual, endeavor?
Queer temporality calls for a rethinking of moral progress as a collective, rather than individual, endeavor because it challenges traditional notions of time and timelines. In this context, moral progress is no longer an individual achievement, but rather a communal effort that requires cooperation and collaboration between different groups and individuals. Queer temporality recognizes that progress cannot be measured by a linear timeline, but rather through a cyclical understanding of history and change.