The Definition Debate: From Paradigm Shift to Bend in the Road

Abstract

The ancient theory of stasis provides a framework to work through a complex debate such as we in ICOM face over the definition of the museum. Its methodology helps determine just where the impasses lie so they can be separately resolved. Its philosophy sees these impasses not as stopping points but resting points, necessary bends in the road that allow all parties to address their concerns and come to new consensus that can lead the debate in creative directions. Rather than seeing arguments like the definition debate as incompatible values struggles, stasis sees them as complex and recursive arguments and searches for ways forward. I will use stasis to break down and analyse the current debate over a definition and then discuss ways a stasis perspective can help ICOM debate more productively.