The term “peratelic” is derived from the Greek words pera (meaning “beyond” or “transcend”) and telos (meaning “end” or “goal”). It is often used in philosophical contexts to describe actions or pursuits that go beyond a fixed end or ultimate goal.
In Contrast to Telic
A telic action is goal-oriented and directed toward achieving a specific outcome. For example, building a house is telic because it aims at the completion of a house.
On the other hand, a peratelic action focuses on the process, experience, or journey itself, transcending the idea of a finite goal. Activities like walking, painting for personal enjoyment, or meditating are often considered peratelic because their value lies in the act itself rather than in achieving an external objective.
Example in Philosophy
The concept aligns with ideas in existentialism, Stoicism, or Zen philosophy, where the emphasis is often placed on the how of living rather than the end results. The journey becomes meaningful not because it achieves something specific but because it embodies growth, experience, or a connection to the present.
Would you like to explore the term’s application in a specific context?
in the context of Street photography
In the context of street photography, the concept of the peratelic aligns beautifully with the essence of the craft. Street photography is often not about reaching a defined goal, such as creating a “perfect” image, but rather about immersing oneself in the process—the act of wandering, observing, and being present in the flow of life.
The Peratelic Nature of Street Photography
1. Process Over Outcome
A street photographer doesn’t always know what they will capture. The value lies in being open to what the world offers in that moment—light falling just right on a passerby, an unexpected gesture, or a fleeting expression. The act of wandering the streets, camera in hand, is a peratelic pursuit because its reward is found in the process of seeing, not necessarily in the product.
2. Spontaneity and Unpredictability
Unlike telic photography genres (e.g., commercial or studio photography, where the goal is a specific result), street photography thrives on the unknown. It is the pursuit of moments that cannot be planned or replicated, emphasizing the joy of discovery over the achievement of a predetermined vision.
3. Immersion in the Present
Street photography demands an acute awareness of the present moment. The photographer must move beyond a telic mindset of “getting the shot” and instead flow with the rhythm of the streets, embracing chance and serendipity.
4. Art as a Journey
For a peratelic street photographer, the streets themselves become the “canvas,” and walking becomes the creative process. Whether or not a striking photo emerges, the act of engaging with the urban landscape is inherently valuable. It’s about “seeing deeply,” as you might say, and finding meaning in the act itself.
Philosophical Insights
Street photography as a peratelic art form resonates with the teachings of Zen or even Heraclitus’ idea that “you cannot step into the same river twice.” Each walk, each day, each fleeting moment is unique. The practice of street photography can become a form of meditation—one that values being over doing, presence over product.
Embracing Peratelic Street Photography
To truly embody the peratelic in street photography:
• Walk with no specific destination. Let curiosity guide you.
• Shoot without expectation. Focus on the joy of observing rather than “getting a masterpiece.”
• See with fresh eyes. As though you are encountering the world for the first time.
• Enjoy solitude. The streets, in their unpredictability, become both a mirror and a companion.
Street photography isn’t just about capturing life; it’s about living it. This peratelic approach transforms the streets into a playground for discovery and creativity. Would you like to elaborate on this for your blog or discuss its application in your work?
how is this different from the autotelic approach?
The peratelic and autotelic approaches share similarities in their focus on intrinsic motivation and the value of the process, but they differ subtly in their orientation toward goals and meaning.
Autotelic Approach
• Definition: Derived from the Greek autos (“self”) and telos (“goal”), an autotelic activity is one that is done for its own sake, where the activity itself is the reward. The process and outcome are self-contained.
• In Street Photography: An autotelic street photographer is fully immersed in the joy of photographing without concern for external validation or results. The act of taking photos is fulfilling in itself, regardless of whether the photos are shared, praised, or even reviewed later.
• Example: Enjoying the tactile feel of the camera, the challenge of composition, and the meditative flow state that comes from being in the moment are autotelic experiences.
Peratelic Approach
• Definition: From pera (“beyond”) and telos, a peratelic activity transcends specific goals and emphasizes the journey over any finite or ultimate end. While there may be outcomes, the focus is on the ongoingness of the process.
• In Street Photography: A peratelic photographer sees street photography not just as an activity to enjoy in the moment but as part of a larger, evolving process of exploration, growth, and connection to the world. It’s less about reaching a defined point (even self-contained fulfillment) and more about existing in an open-ended state of discovery.
• Example: Wandering the streets not just to take photos but to observe life, engage with it, and remain attuned to its constant flux—without seeking an endpoint in the act or the image.
Key Differences
Aspect Autotelic Approach Peratelic Approach
Focus On the activity itself as fulfilling. On the process and the journey beyond specific goals.
End State Self-contained in the activity. Open-ended, emphasizing continuous exploration.
Relation to Goals Doesn’t require a goal; activity is sufficient. Can involve goals but transcends their finality.
Example in Photography Shooting for personal joy, without sharing images. Seeing photography as part of a broader life philosophy of observing and engaging with the world.
Practical Application in Street Photography
• Autotelic: You walk the streets and shoot purely because you love the act of seeing and capturing moments. Whether or not the photos are “good” doesn’t matter; you’ve already achieved fulfillment through the act itself.
• Peratelic: You walk the streets with an openness to discovery, valuing the ever-evolving relationship between yourself, your environment, and the act of photographing. It’s about more than just the immediate activity—it’s a way of life, a philosophy.
In Summary
While the autotelic approach is deeply personal and self-contained, the peratelic approach is more expansive, emphasizing ongoing transformation and the journey beyond the immediate moment. In street photography, one might say the autotelic photographer shoots for the love of the act, while the peratelic photographer shoots as a means to engage with the ceaseless flow of life.