diffraction

is, in contrast to reflexivity which purports to offer a 'reflection' on some event or a reproduction, or a representation of some event that is already given, defraction (as in light passing through slits onto a screen) leaves a record of passage.

Let's not talk about reflection and reflexivity for a while, let's talk about diffraction. Pysically, let's think about what diffraction is.''and'''Well when light passes through slits, the light rays that pass through are broken upp. And you have a screen at one end to reister whathappnes, what you get is a record of the passage of the light rays onto the screen. Ths 'record' shows the history of their passage through the slits. So what you get is not a reflection... it's the record of a passge' (Haraway 2000:103). . . . 'THeoretical instruments are perceived as 'optical devices.' they, however, do no refect but rather diffract what is before them. In line with her ensuing distrust of practices of representation, Haraway believes that sitauted knowledges do not reproduce what is already given but rather regenerate contested and contestable 'novel forms.' (do a search for citation in master's list)

is the noninnocent, complexly erotic practice of making a difference in the world, rather than displacing the same elsewhere.

My favorite optical metaphor is diffraction-- the noninnocent, complexly erotic practice of making a difference in the world, rather than displacing the same elsewhere' (Haraway 1994:62).

diffraction, n.All

diffraction