- Temporal encroachment
Temporal encroachment is an action that affects the perception of time or that affects the ability to take action in the
future .Temporal means "related to the measurement or passing of time" andencroachment is "an intrusion, usually unwelcome, into the space of another".The space that temporal encroachment refers to is temporal space, the temporal "space" or "territory" upon which others attach significance.
There are various kinds of temporal encroachment:
Temporal encroachment on scheduling
This refers to when one group or person holds another person up. A good example is a vice president making a lower-ranked employee wait in his outer office while he conducts business. Another good example is a valued worker who always shows up late to work but is allowed to due to his abilities. This kind of encroachment is very common in the workplace. Various
cultures look at this differently -- theJapan ese are very punctual, while mostLatin and Baltic cultures would be more relaxed with time, instead looking at social parameters.Temporal encroachment on future 'space'
This refers to actions taken that influence events 'down the line', narrowing possible choices and alternatives. It is worth noting that the most common use of this phrase is found in
ecology , where there is a large amount of concern about the effects of human encroachment upon animals and other wildlife. Encroachment can be a good or bad factor in the lives of the animals, but most commonly, it is bad.It has been used by some
Jewish thinkers [http://www.springerlink.com/content/q7122u6t67863756/fulltext.pdf SpringerLink - Resource Secured ] ] to refer to changes inZionism that have 'ripple effects' on Jews worldwide, and the affect is has had on global terrorism.It has also been used in the
legal system, where some legal thinkers believe early correction of poverty and other socioeconomic ills can 'narrow' the likelihood of futurecriminality .Temporal encroachment on the past 'space'
It can also reflect a sense that modern events and interpretations of
history alter and change our perceptions of history. For example, the involvement of the Papacy in the formation of the structure of medieval Europe was viewed differently at the time than it is today.http://www.historicist.com/papacy/b1c5.html]Some also view it as the encroachment of the young on the old, see "Encroachment of old age" below.
Examples of temporal encroachment
Some examples of temporal encroachment in other contexts. [http://www.laetusinpraesens.org/docs00s/encroacv.php#temp Varieties of Encroachment ] ]
Encroachment from flooding: Construction of settlements in flood plains, ignoring the tendency of rivers to flood occasionally, results in situations in which river water encroaches on properties in ways that can prove extremely costly. Here encroachment on flood plains by buildings engenders encroachment by flooding.
Encroachment from rising sea levels: This is a more dramatic and permanent example of encroachment from flooding whose major effects are predicted to become evident over the coming decades. It is caused by failure to respond effectively to the challenge of global warming and rising carbon emissions. Here encroachment on air quality engenders encroachment by rising sea levels.
Encroachment by disease resistant bacteria: The widespread development and use of pharmaceutical drugs to control disease has created a situation in which bacteria are mutating and treatment-resistant bacteria are becoming a major challenge to hospitals. Here encroachment by progressive pharmaceutical response to disease engenders encroachment by bacterial resistance to those treatments.
Encroachment from population pressure: This widely documented phenomenon is associated with the ever-increasing use of non-renewable resources. Here encroachment by increasing population (and reproductive rights) engenders encroachment by the demands on resources which there is a reasonable probability cannot be fulfilled and will therefore engender a violent and unreasonable response.
Encroachment of old age: The process of ageing, and terminal illness, may be experienced as encroaching shadows on human dignity. Equally, while near the peak of their careers, people may note the encroachment of youth and change.
Other uses
In medical terminology, a temporal encroachment has to do with bones in the skull pressing tightly against the brain after an injury to the head.
In computer science, a
temporal key that is improperly validatated is considered a temporal encroachment.Example uses
* [http://sofia.usgs.gov/geer/2000/posters/use_impact/saltintrusion.html USGS site] using the term about saline intrusion into Florida marsh
* [http://www.bpc.org/resources/books/wylie/papa0105.html Article about the papacy] using the term in reference to the spiritual power (thePope ) gaining power in the mundane ("temporal") realm.References
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