"Logic of the AND": Rhizomatic Thinking and Stasis Theory

Deleuze and Guattari (p. 21) say, "Unlike structure, which is defined by a set of points and positions, with binary relations between the points and biunivocal relationships between the positions, the rhizome is made only of lines: lines of segmentarity and stratification as its dimensions, and the line of flight or deterritorialization as the maximum dimension after which the multiplicity undergoes metamorphosis, changes in nature."

Isn't stasis theory just another structure defined by a set of points and positions?

Stasis theory is a method that helps people reach agreements or, at least, temporary agreements. The method also helps us identify disagreements.

Stasis theory is a method that can help us better understand the continuous processes of deterritorialization and reterritorialization.

Deleuze and Guattari (p. 11) say, "... the book is not an image of the world. It forms a rhizome with the world, there is an aparallel evolution of the book and the world; the book assures the deterritorialization of the world, but the world effects a reterritorialization of the the book, which in turn deterritorializes itself in the world."

Deleuze and Guttari (p. 55) say, "... everywhere there arise simultaneous accelerations and blockages, comparative speeds, differences in deterritorialization creating relative fields of reterritorialization."

Stasis theory is a methodology that allows us to examine the path of de- and reterritorialization.

Deleuze and Guattari (1987, p. 25)

Stasis Theory

"A rhizome has no beginning or end; it is always in the middle, between things... [...] ... the fabric of the rhizome is the conjunction, 'and ... and ... and ...' [...] Making a clean slate, starting or beginning again from ground zero, seeking a beginning or a foundation--all imply a false conception of voyage and movement... [...] [There is another way of traveling and moving]: proceeding from the middle, through the middle, coming and going rather than starting and finishing. American literature [...] manifest this rhizomatic direction to an even greater extent: they know how to move between things, establish a logic of the AND, overthrow ontology, do away with foundations, nullify endings and beginnings. [...] The middle is by no means an average; on the contrary, it is where things pick up speed."

Discussion

One source says, "Stasis Theory is a tool to help figure out what is at stake in an argument. The word “stasis,” from the Latin meaning "standstill" or "conflict," in rhetorical terms indicates "...the point in an argument that must be resolved in order for a discussion to come to a conclusion..." (Rhetoric Resources Web site at Georgia Tech). We can think of stasis as the key issues or questions around which an argument turns – the key points of disagreement. According to Quintilian, the stasis becomes the "fixed point around which the controversy revolves...; the real point... on which judgment is given."

Stasis theory in its simplest form identifies the right questions to ask in a given situation" (www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~digger/305/005_stasis_handout.doc).

The Purdue Online Writing Lab says, "Stasis theory is a four-question, pre-writing (invention) process developed in ancient Greece by Aristotle and Hermagoras. Later, the stases were refined by Roman rhetoricians, such as Cicero, Quintilian, and Hermogenes. Working through the four stasis questions encourages knowledge building that is important for research, writing, and for working in teams. Stasis theory helps writers conduct critical analyses of the issues they are investigating."

1. How can stasis theory enrich our class discussions?

2. What contradictions and/or insights do you have regarding the relation of stasis theory to the text?

Stasis Theory asks Four (or Five) Questions

1. Questions of Existence/Fact

What are the central facts that characterize an issue? What are the main facts that are disputed/agreed upon?

2. Questions of Definition

What are the central terms and categories people use to talk about an issue? For example, in the issue of abortion, terms such as “choice,” “life,” and “rights” are central to the debate.

3. Questions of Cause (This question is sometimes missing from other lists)

What caused the disputed state of affairs to take place? What causal factors are behind the problem?

4. Questions of Value & Evaluation

What are the main values or principles at issue? How should we evaluate them?

5. Questions of Action

What should be done?

Making Connections

"Logic of the AND": Rhizomatic Thinking and Stasis Theory