Phenomenaborrowings

Phenomenaborrowings, a term coined by philosopher Graham Harman, refers to the idea that objects, whether real or fictional, can "borrow" or "inherit" qualities or essences from other objects. This concept challenges traditional notions of object identity, suggesting that an object's nature is not solely intrinsic but can also be derived from its relationships and interactions with other entities. Harman proposes that objects exist in a withdrawn realm, only partially accessible to other objects. When an object engages with another, it can adopt certain characteristics or aspects from the encountered object, effectively incorporating them into its own being without fully exhausting its withdrawn depth. This borrowing is not a simple imitation but a process of assimilation, where the borrowed quality is integrated and transformed by the receiving object. For example, a fictional character might borrow traits from historical figures or archetypes, or a natural object might exhibit qualities associated with a concept or emotion. The concept is central to Harman's object-oriented ontology, which emphasizes the agency and reality of all objects, regardless of their composition or status. It suggests that the world is a complex web of inter-object relationships where essences can be fluid and transmissible.