Hyperobjects

Hyperobjects is a term coined by philosopher Timothy Morton to describe things that are massively distributed in time and space relative to us. These entities are so vast and complex that they transcend our ordinary understanding of scale and temporality. Examples of hyperobjects include climate change, plastic, radioactive materials, and the entirety of the biosphere. They are characterized by their viscosity, meaning they stick to us and we cannot easily separate ourselves from them. They also exhibit nonlocality, meaning their effects can be felt far from their origin. Furthermore, hyperobjects are not entirely knowable; we can only ever perceive a fraction of their being. Their temporal dimensions are also immense, stretching far into the past and future, making them difficult for humans to grasp. Morton argues that confronting hyperobjects can lead to a profound shift in our perception of reality, challenging anthropocentric viewpoints and forcing us to acknowledge our interconnectedness with the wider world. Understanding hyperobjects is crucial for addressing contemporary environmental and existential challenges.