[[Timothy Morton]], a philosopher known for his work in object-oriented [[Ontology]] and ecological thought, introduces the idea of phenomenon viscosity as part of his exploration of how we experience ecological and aesthetic phenomena. This concept is tied to his broader philosophical framework, particularly the idea that reality is composed of [[hyperobjects]]—things so vast and interconnected that they challenge traditional ways of [[Thinking]] and perceiving. ### Phenomenon Viscosity Explained: ##### 1. Stickiness of Encounter: Phenomenon viscosity refers to the way phenomena seem to “stick” to us in our perception and experience. When we encounter something—be it a sound, a smell, or an event—it clings to our [[Awareness]] in a way that resists full comprehension or dissociation. This “stickiness” disrupts the neat separation between subject and object, drawing attention to the interconnectedness of all things. ##### 2. Resistance to Simplification: Viscosity highlights how phenomena cannot be easily categorised or reduced to isolated components. They retain a kind of lingering presence, making it difficult to move past them without acknowledging their full complexity. For example, when considering ecological issues like [[Climate Change]], the evidence and consequences seem to persist in the background, defying attempts to ignore or simplify them. ##### 3. Physical and Metaphorical: Morton uses viscosity both as a metaphor and as a way of describing a real property of [[hyperobjects]] and their components. It draws from the idea of physical viscosity—how substances like honey or oil resist [[Flow]] and movement—to illustrate the sluggish, persistent, and unavoidable [[Nature]] of ecological and aesthetic phenomena. ##### 4. Aesthetic Implications: In aesthetics, viscosity speaks to how certain [[Art]] forms or experiences linger in the mind and resist being pinned down. Art that engages deeply with ecological or philosophical themes often embodies this stickiness, challenging the audience to grapple with unresolved or unsettling ideas. Context within Morton’s [[Philosophy]]: Phenomenon viscosity is crucial in Morton’s critique of anthropocentrism and his call for a relational understanding of existence. It reflects his [[Belief]] that the world is not a collection of discrete, controllable objects but a network of interdependent entities. This idea complements other key Morton concepts, such as withdrawal (the notion that no object is ever fully knowable) and interobjectivity (the way objects interact independently of human perception). In sum, phenomenon viscosity underscores the messy, entangled [[Nature]] of reality, urging us to embrace the complexity of our encounters with the world rather than attempting to impose artificial clarity or detachment. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` [[Digital index]]