Introduction

Abstract

I do not define time, space, place and motion as being well known to all. But it must be observed that the vulgar conceive those quantities only from the relation they bear to sensible objects. And thence arise certain prejudices, for the removing of which, it is proper to distinguish them into absolute and relative, true and apparent, mathematical and vulgar.I. Absolute, true and mathematical time, in itself, from its own nature, flows equally, without relation to anything external; and by another name is called Duration. Relative, apparent, and vulgar time is some sensible and external measure of duration by motion, whether accurate or unequable, which is commonly used instead of true time; as an hour, a day, a month, a year.Isaac Newton The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy (Philosophiae Naturalis, Principia Mathematica). Cambridge, Trinity College -July 1687. Scholium page 12 The time of anthropologyWhen we proposed 'time' as the theme of ASA 2016, one of our colleagues commented that 'it had already been done'. It is true that, in terms of ASA conferences, ASA 2002 did consider the 'qualities of time' and produced a stimulating volume using the lens of ethnography to reflect on just what these qualities are (James and Mills 2005). More dauntingly for us, however, the subject of time has been the focus of sustained and critical scrutiny by a long list of anthropological luminaries.

Biocircularities: New Formations of Embodied Time

“…However, each of the cases shows, in different and situated ways, how the expectations of the biosciences can be subverted, and, further, how the ‘chronocracy’ of the biosciences can be challenged. That is, the authors use biocircularity and recursive embodiment to analyse and challenge the dominance of technoscientific temporalities; to show up the limitations of the capacity of scientific knowledge to decisively or definitively ‘shape the temporalities in which people live out their everyday lives’ (Kirtsoglou and Simpson, 2021: 3). An attention to the biocircular makes clear that alter -, para- , or counter -temporalities exist, and that these other forms of temporal experience and reasoning allow people to interpret their bodily existence and to create and value ways of being that might be invisible to or derogated by the biosciences.…”