Plasticity unifies spontaneity and receptivity in an evolving structure

Evidence

Plasticity is a name for the originary unity of acting and being acted upon, of spontaneity and receptivity. A medium for the differentiation of opposites, plasticity holds the extremes together in their reciprocal action, enabling the function of a structure of anticipation where the three terms of the temporal process are articulated: the originary synthesis, the hypotyposis or embodiment of the spiritual, the relation of the moments of time. The meaning of the notion of plasticity is the same as its way of being. Plasticity is what it is, plastic. Indeed, the originary operation of receiving and giving form is not a rigid and fixed structure but an instance which can evolve, which means that it can give itself new forms. The temporal differentiation of plasticity makes possible the historical deployment of the substance-subject. — Catherine Malabou, The Future of Hegel, 1251

Categorization

• DEFINE: The most compact definition of plasticity in the whole book: originary unity of acting and being acted upon, whose meaning is its own way of being.
• XREF: Core to Anidjar’s plasticity claim that the reader studies — this passage gives the precise scope of what plasticity can and cannot account for regarding passivity tipping into agency. — connects to: Matter’s inherent spontaneity made activity primary in nature — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology,…, 525; A closed system’s openness to modification while transforming itself is plasticity — Catherine Malabou, The Future of Hegel: Plasticity,…, 1283
• recurring: this claim recurs 2 times within its source