Non-binary temporality is an emerging concept that challenges traditional linear ideas of time and progress, particularly when it comes to understanding human development. While many people view life as a journey from birth to death with distinct stages of growth and achievement along the way, non-binary temporalists argue that time can be experienced in multiple ways simultaneously, without a clear beginning or end. This idea has significant implications for how we think about morality and ethics, especially regarding issues such as personal growth and completion.
One key aspect of this challenge is that it encourages us to reconsider our assumptions about what constitutes moral behavior. Traditional morality often revolves around the idea of achieving certain goals or reaching a particular state of being, such as finding love or earning wealth.
Non-binary temporalists suggest that these milestones may not necessarily represent the most important aspects of living a good life. Instead, they argue that all moments of experience are equally valuable, regardless of whether they fit into a predetermined narrative of accomplishment.
Consider someone who experiences an intense moment of connection with another person during their daily routine. If that moment is seen through a non-linear lens, it becomes just as meaningful as any other part of their day, rather than a brief interruption of more "important" tasks. In turn, this changes how we might evaluate the individual's choices and actions – if everything matters equally, then every decision could have profound consequences for others.
This also raises questions about the role of completion in morality. Many people see completing a task or project as a sign of success and progress, but non-binary temporality suggests that there is no ultimate goal to strive towards. Rather than seeing life as a series of steps leading to a final destination, we must learn to embrace the journey itself and recognize the value in each stage. This can be difficult because it requires us to let go of preconceived ideas about what constitutes success or failure and focus on the present instead.
Understanding non-binary temporality can encourage us to rethink our moral values and priorities, moving away from narrow definitions of progress and towards a broader sense of fulfillment. By recognizing the complexity and flexibility of time, we can create new ethical frameworks that prioritize personal growth and community building over traditional metrics of achievement.
How might non-binary temporality challenge moral narratives of progress and “completion” within human development?
The concept of non-binary temporality is gaining more attention from researchers and practitioners interested in challenging the dominant narrative that sees time as linear and progressive. This temporal model views life as proceeding through stages where one must complete each stage before moving on to the next. These phases are usually depicted as beginning with infancy and culminating in adulthood.