Can Time Be Tricked? - A Theoretical Introduction

Ringel, Felix

Abstract

This theoretical introduction develops a conceptual argument stemming from the concept of ‘time-tricking’. Whilst most theories of time in anthropology develop a coherent definition of the nature of time – for instance, as ‘cyclical’ or ‘linear’ – I draw attention to a seemingly common metaphysical distinction in our temporal ontologies, that between the past and the future. This distinction allows me to do two things: first, I present two different versions of time-tricking, one focusing on references to time and particularly to the past, the other conceptualizing effects on the future; and then, second, I present the future as the main object of temporal agency. By developing the notion of ‘future-tricking’, I point to a specific kind of temporal agency which is based on metaphysical commitments heavily embedded in the present in politics, interests and possibilities.

Citation

Ringel, F. (2016). Can Time Be Tricked? - A Theoretical Introduction. Cambridge Journal of Anthropology, 34(1), 22-31. https://doi.org/10.3167/ca.2016.340104

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 2, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Mar 1, 2016
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Nov 18, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 21, 2019
• Journal: Cambridge Journal of Anthropology
• Print ISSN: 0305-7674
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-7716
• Publisher: Berghahn Journals
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 22-31
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3167/ca.2016.340104
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1370082