Reflection divides into pure and impure kinds, distinguished by their relation to temporality
Evidence
We must distinguish two kinds of reflection if we wish to grasp the reflective phenomenon in its relations with temporality: reflection can be either pure or impure. Pure reflection, the simple presence of the reflective for-itself to the for-itself reflected-on, is at once the original form of reflection and its ideal form; it is that on whose foundation impure reflection appears, it is that also which is never first given; and it is that which must be won by a sort of katharsis. Impure or accessory reflection, of which we will speak later, includes pure reflection but surpasses it and makes further claims. — Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness, 515
Categorization
- DEFINE: Introduces the pure/impure reflection distinction that structures the remainder of the book’s treatment of reflective consciousness.
- XREF: Pure reflection ‘won by katharsis’ connects to the ethical project Beauvoir inherits — attaining authentic recognition that one is not one’s own foundation. — connects to: The three ekstases structure temporality, reflection, and the encounter with the Other — Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness: An Essay on…, 73; Impure reflection constitutes the psyche while pure reflection requires a katharsis — Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness: An Essay on…, 526; Psychic temporality is constituted by reflection, not original temporality — Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness: An Essay on…, 549 (+4 more)
Broader Connections
- Reflection reveals temporality as the historicity of the for-itself
#qualifies(0.85) — Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness, 521 - Impure reflection creates the psyche as a made-to-be virtual object
#exemplifies(0.80) — Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness, 550 - Greek circular time is the precondition for dialectical sublation of temporality
#corroborates(0.80) — Catherine Malabou, The Future of Hegel, 166 - Reflection is an intermediate stage of nihilation between self-existence and existence-for-others
#expands(0.75) — Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness, 513