TIL: ELI5

Deciphering the Allure of Hyperobjects


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Welcome to today's episode, where we venture into the realm of philosophy to decode one of its most mind-bending concepts—hyperobjects. This term might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, and in some ways, it really is. But stick with us, because understanding hyperobjects can change the way we see the world and our place within it.

First off, hyperobjects are a term coined by philosopher Timothy Morton to describe objects that are so massively distributed in time and space that they transcend specific localities, making them almost impossible for human beings to fully comprehend. Think about climate change, the internet, or even the solar system. These aren't things that we can touch or see in their entirety at any one moment. Instead, they're spread out across vast stretches of time and space.
So how can we wrap our minds around something we can barely grasp? That's the beauty of hyperobjects. They challenge our conventional ways of thinking and invite us to imagine beyond our immediate perceptions. When we start to think about these massive entities, we realize they're not just objects 'out there'—they're entities that we're a part of. Our actions contribute to and are influenced by these gargantuan phenomena.
Let's delve deeper into climate change as an example of a hyperobject. It's a global phenomenon, influenced by and influencing every living being on the planet. Yet, it's not something we can see or touch directly. Its effects unfold over decades, and its causes are deeply embedded in our daily lives—how we travel, what we eat, and the energy we consume. Recognizing climate change as a hyperobject helps us understand it as a vast, interconnecting web of causes and effects that touches every aspect of our existence.
Hyperobjects throw a wrench in our usual thinking because they operate on scales beyond human comprehension. They force us to acknowledge that what we consider 'reality' is only a tiny fragment of what's actually out there. This shift in perception is crucial for addressing the global challenges we face. It urges us to think globally and recognize our interconnectedness with phenomena that are larger than life.
Understanding hyperobjects also requires a shift in our sense of time. Because they extend over such vast periods, they challenge our focus on the immediate. They make us consider the long-term impacts of our actions, prompting a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to living on this planet.
In conclusion, while hyperobjects might initially seem like an abstract concept, they offer a powerful lens through which to view our world. By acknowledging their scale and our relationship with them, we can foster a deeper sense of responsibility and agency in facing global challenges. So, the next time you contemplate the vastness of the internet or the complexities of climate change, remember—you're engaging with a hyperobject. And in doing so, you're participating in a larger conversation about how we, as a collective, navigate the future.

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TIL: ELI5By TIL