Pronunciations
-
/ˈæktətɪv/
Adjective
Serving to act.
Usage- Uncommon
- Examples
-
More examples (5)
Firstly then, the MENS may be said to be subject to the immotions of contemplation and volition, corresponding to, but not similar to, the receptative and actative natures of the ANIMUS, which have been regarded as subject to cognitions and impulses.
Perhaps the most acute expression of the different structures of time and being within philosophy can be found in the actative dimension which provides the difference between Heraclitus and Plato.
Thus, groups are not only possessed of certain attributes (intelligence, beauty, work ethic, and other entative characteristics), but they enjoy active control over others by determining their life outcomes (they evaluate, select, punish, reward, among other actative behaviors).
The seemingly static model of identification forged through a “reflection” — as though in a mirror — appears at first sight to contrast markedly with the more dynamic notion of identity based on performativity. And yet, if we perceive the former as being grounded in a certain intentionality, we should recognise the actative dimension to the gaze itself.
Secondly, whereas for Benjamin the term mimesis is a largely passive one, which in essence constitutes a mechanism for finding meaning in the world, for Adorno it displays a more actative, creative character.
Noun
Something that serves to act.
Usage- Uncommon
- Examples
-
More examples (1)
Whose are these hands? Are they really Blanchot’s? How could Blanchot be so careless as to reinstate the actative of “writing” when all action had given way to absence?
The ineliminable presence of action and with it of inscribed presence of the actative in this formulation should not therefore pass unnoticed.
More examples (1)
Rather than a substantative, having an essence that can be identified, holiness or spirituality is better termed an actative. This actative is conflictual and therefore unable to support an essential.