WAR Group B CHALLENGE transition for AMS Group B

Transition

Original/ general definition is:

process of change of one form of state, style or place to another.

Refine:

Aristotle's 'anagnorisis' - transition of the tragic hero's state of mind from ignorance to knowledge, learning something about the plot and themselves.

Challenge:

Our group finds the refining definition too finalized a state. The kind of transition that brings about anagnorisis is more about being initiated into a new state and frame of mind than moving from point to point. After the realization and insight is obtained, there is a sense of stability and finality that accompanies anagnorisis. Transition, for us, is more closely affiliated with on-going movement and fluidity. Transition allows for both regression and progress, while anagnorisis is not supposed to include regression as a possibility.

In addition, anagnorisis carries with it an intrinsically positive connotation that is not inherent in transition. Transitions can be multi-directional, and do not always propel a social actor towards progress or enlightenment.



Both the general definition and the refinement seem to place emphasis on things being in one state or another or going from one state to another. We feel that it is equally important to be conscious of the states of in-betweenness or liminality that comes with transitions. It might be more beneficial to approach the term without thinking in polarities e.g. unknowing and knowing.