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Decentered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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decentered

[diːˈsɛn.tərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

philosophy, social theory

Decentered refers to a state where the central authority, focus, or perspective is diminished or absent. In philosophical and social contexts, it often denotes a shift away from traditional hierarchies or subjective viewpoints, embracing multiplicity and dispersal of meaning.

Synonyms

decentralized, dispersed, distributed, non-hierarchical.

Examples of usage

  • The decentered approach allows for multiple viewpoints.
  • In modern art, the decentered perspective is prevalent.
  • Decentered narratives can challenge dominant cultural stories.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In postmodern philosophy, decentering refers to questioning dominant narratives and focusing on marginalized voices.
  • Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault contributed to the concept by advocating for multiple viewpoints instead of a singular truth.

Art

  • In modern art, decentered composition rejects traditional focal points, allowing viewers to appreciate the entire canvas.
  • Artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Jackson Pollock exemplified this by creating works that engage the audience throughout, rather than upholding a single narrative.

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychology uses the idea of decentering to help individuals overcome egocentric thought patterns, promoting empathy and understanding.
  • Mindfulness practices often encourage decentering thoughts to reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience.

Education

  • In classroom settings, decentering approaches involve shifting the focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered learning, fostering collaboration.
  • This method encourages diverse perspectives in the learning process, helping students become critical thinkers.

Origin of 'decentered'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'de-' means to reverse or remove, while 'centered' comes from the word 'center', implying moving away from a central point.
  • The term has roots in various disciplines, including philosophy and sociology, where it emphasizes a shift in perspective.

The term 'decentered' is derived from the prefix 'de-' meaning to remove or reverse, and the word 'center,' which comes from the Latin 'centrum' meaning 'middle' or 'focus.' The concept emerged more prominently in the 20th century, particularly within the realms of postmodern philosophy and critical theory. Thinkers such as Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida contributed to the idea by challenging the traditional dominance of single perspectives in knowledge and authority. As they asserted that no single narrative could adequately explain complex social phenomena, the notion of being decentered became increasingly relevant in various disciplines, including literary criticism, sociology, and cultural studies. The idea promotes a more pluralistic view of knowledge, where multiple narratives coexist without a singular dominating viewpoint, reflecting the complexities of human experience.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,025, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.