Absolute particulars gain rigidity precisely by being relational moments

Evidence

By breaking the determinations of spirit into ‘points’, simplification gives each the status of absolute particulars: thus they enjoy their own distinctive characteristic, and can maintain the ‘rigidity’ of their singular being. By becoming moments35 - which, by definition, means something whose meaning depends on its place within the totality to which it belongs - these determinations remain connected in a fundamental way to the whole: The richest is therefore the most concrete and most subjective, and that which withdraws itself into the simplest depth is the mightiest and most all-embracing. — Catherine Malabou, The Future of Hegel, 1061

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines ‘moment’ as something whose meaning depends on its place in the totality — a key Hegelian term.
• XREF: The paradox of rigidity-through-relationality parallels how neuronal plasticity yields stable structure through connectivity. — connects to: Relational qualities can harden into intrinsic traits of an element; Rigidity in thought is a firmness that converts phenomena into resistant concepts — Catherine Malabou, The Future of Hegel: Plasticity,…, 1027; Objects are only knowable within their network of relations — Edward W. Said, Orientalism, 373 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Relational qualities can harden into intrinsic traits of an element #corroborates (0.78)
• Objects are only knowable within their network of relations #complicates (0.74) — Edward W. Said, Orientalism, 373
• Rigidity in thought is a firmness that converts phenomena into resistant concepts #expands (0.72) — Catherine Malabou, The Future of Hegel, 1027