Thucydides: Space

 The Impact of Chaeron and Others

Key leaders from the Athenian side, including Chaeron and Thibrachus, perished in battle. Their deaths incurred a grave toll and were marked by entombments in a public space known as Ceramicus.

Tatius: Space

 Intimacy and Resistance

The narrator conveys an intimate scene marked by her physical and emotional conflict, as she surrenders to the moment despite the tumultuous nature of their relationship. This suggests that love is often improvised, underlining its spontaneous power that transcends physical space and preparation. #Grey/RedBaron

Heidegger: Space

The text explores Martin Heidegger's concept of 'Being-in' and its relation to space, emphasizing the existential condition of Dasein. It begins by defining 'Being-in' as not just a physical presence but an intricate relationship with the environment that encompasses psychological and emotional dimensions. The discussion extends to the significance of spatial relationships, where Dasein's interaction with its surroundings is framed by concepts like 'de-severance' and 'directionality.' The text highlights the importance of 'clearing' and 'disclosedness,' which allow Dasein to gain authentic insight into its existence. Furthermore, it delves into the temporal interpretation of Dasein's everyday experiences, identifying key structures such as understanding, state-of-mind, and discourse that shape its narrative. The interplay between space and time is crucial, as it influences Dasein's perception of boundaries, freedom, and attachment to places, ultimately affecting how it navigates its reality.

What does 'Being-in' signify in Heidegger's philosophy?

In Heidegger's philosophy, 'Being-in' signifies an existential condition that goes beyond mere spatial presence. It relates to how entities exist within a context, akin to water in a glass, and encompasses psychological and emotional dimensions that inform Dasein's relationship with its environment. This concept emphasizes the active involvement of Dasein in its spatiality and the significance of its interactions within 'world-space.'

How does spatiality influence Dasein's identity?

Spatiality influences Dasein's identity by shaping its interactions and experiences within the world. The environment is not just a backdrop; it dynamically interacts with Dasein's existential attributes, affecting how it perceives boundaries, freedom, and attachment to places. This interplay between space and Dasein's existence is crucial for understanding its identity and mode of being.

What role does temporality play in Dasein's experience?

Temporality plays a crucial role in Dasein's experience by shaping how it perceives and interacts with its environment. It transforms mere observation into experiential understanding, influencing decision-making and the overall experience of being in a dynamic world. Temporal structures fundamentally affect Dasein's spatial interactions, perception of boundaries, freedom, and attachment to places.

Deleuze & Guattari: Space

The text explores the concepts of segmentarity and centralization in modern state societies, highlighting the differences between rigid and supple segmentarity. Rigid segmentarity is characterized by fixed binary oppositions, such as social classes, leading to hierarchical structures that restrict mobility. In contrast, supple segmentarity allows for fluidity and individual identity within collective frameworks. The refrain is introduced as a mechanism for creating order amidst chaos, exemplified by a child's singing in dark environments. The text also discusses the concept of milieu, which connects living beings to their environments through rhythm and communication. The war machine is positioned between different forms of sovereignty, illustrating the dynamics of power. Furthermore, the distinction between smooth and striated spaces is examined, with smooth space being flexible and nomadic, while striated space is rigid and organized. The interplay between these spaces is crucial for understanding societal structures, labor dynamics, and artistic expressions, emphasizing the need for fluid identities that challenge traditional power structures.

What are the characteristics of rigid and supple segmentarity?

Rigid segmentarity features independent binary oppositions, such as social classes, often driven by technology, resulting in circular hierarchies. In contrast, supple segmentarity coexists with rigid segmentarity, allowing for fluid overlaps and distinctions of individual identities within collective frameworks. This interplay creates a dynamic social structure amid complex societal dynamics.

How does the refrain create order amidst chaos?

The refrain creates order amidst chaos by functioning as a structure that organizes space and establishes protective boundaries. It allows for improvisation and exploration beyond established limits, integrating forces of the future into a cohesive framework. This is exemplified by a child using singing as a coping mechanism in chaotic environments, highlighting the refrain's role in creating a center of order amidst disorder.

What is the significance of smooth and striated spaces?

The significance of smooth and striated spaces lies in their contrasting characteristics and their roles in spatial organization. Smooth space is nomadic, flexible, and constantly changing, allowing for adaptability and fluidity. In contrast, striated space is rigid, organized, and defined by fixed boundaries, leading to structured social interactions. Understanding these dynamics helps to analyze how societies function and interact, revealing the complexities of spatial relationships in various contexts.

Thucydides: War

Thucydides, a Greek historian from 460–395 BC "The History of the Peloponnesian War," which provides a detailed account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta. His writings emphasize an objective historical analysis, contrasting with the narrative style of his predecessor, Herodotus. Thucydides structured his work into eight books, focusing on military campaigns, key figures like Pericles and Alcibiades, and the political dynamics of the time. He utilized direct speeches to enhance the narrative, notably including Pericles' funeral oration. The war's causes, including Athenian expansion and Spartan conservatism, are explored, alongside significant events like the Sicilian Expedition and the devastating plague in Athens. Thucydides' insights into power, war, and human behavior have profoundly influenced both ancient and modern historical thought. His analysis of the war's outcomes reveals the complexities of military strategy and the fragility of alliances, ultimately highlighting the tumultuous nature of Athenian politics and the cyclical shifts between democracy and oligarchy.

What are the main themes in Thucydides' work on the Peloponnesian War?

The main themes in Thucydides' work on the Peloponnesian War include the complexities of power dynamics, the nature of human behavior in conflict, and the interplay between democracy and oligarchy. Thucydides emphasizes the importance of military strategy, the impact of leadership, and the moral dilemmas faced by states during warfare. His objective approach to history also highlights the significance of alliances and the consequences of political decisions during this tumultuous period.

How did Thucydides' approach differ from that of Herodotus?

Thucydides' approach to historical writing differs from that of Herodotus in that Thucydides aimed for an objective history, utilizing a scientific perspective and focusing on the causes and effects of events, particularly in the context of power and war. In contrast, Herodotus often employed a narrative style that included myths and anecdotes, making Thucydides' work more analytical and systematic in its examination of human behavior and political dynamics.

What were the key events that led to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War?

The key events that led to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War included the conflict between Corcyra and Corinth, which drew Athenian interest, and the Potidaea incident, where Potidaea faced pressure from Corinth. Additionally, the Megarian decree, which excluded Megara from Athenian markets, aggravated relations and was seen as a blockade against allies. These incidents, along with mutual distrust and accusations of treaty violations, ultimately triggered the war.


Deleuze & Guatarri: War

Deleuze & Guattari's exploration of war examines nomadic war machines and metallurgy, advocating for a broader conceptualization of warfare beyond traditional battles. Key questions include the true objectives of war machines and state interpretations. The text outlines two approaches to warfare: traditional pursuit of battle and strategic avoidance. It discusses how historic states relied on policing before evolving with war machines and highlights Clausewitz's distinction between Pure War and Real Wars. War machines, predating state structures, influence social transformations, symbolized by dual figures like the Magician-King and Jurist-Priest. Ultimately, it emphasizes nomadic societies' resistance to centralized authority, the role of metallurgy in warfare, and the need to rethink war's significance in modern


What are the main objectives of the war machine according to Deleuze and Guattari?

According to Deleuze and Guattari, the main objectives of the war machine diverge from traditional warfare paradigms. Rather than focusing solely on the annihilation of the enemy, the war machine often aims to disrupt target environments through raids. This reflects a broader understanding of war that encompasses strategic maneuvering and the maintenance of control over spaces rather than outright conflict.

How does the nomadic war machine differ from traditional state warfare?

The nomadic war machine differs from traditional state warfare in that it emphasizes mobility, adaptability, and strategic maneuvering rather than direct confrontation. While state warfare often seeks total annihilation and operates within fixed structures, the nomadic war machine focuses on raids that disrupt environments and maintain fluidity in social organization. This approach allows nomadic groups to resist state control and adapt to changing circumstances, highlighting a more dynamic understanding of conflict.

What role does metallurgy play in nomadic societies?

Metallurgy plays a crucial role in nomadic societies by enhancing their mobility and social complexity. Metallurgists are vital for providing advanced tools and weaponry, which reflect the socio-economic innovations of nomadic life. They not only consume metal but also produce and disseminate it, influencing both their own cultures and those of sedentary societies. This interconnection between metallurgy and nomadic organization underscores the importance of craftsmanship in sustaining their way of life.