periodicity

   The quality of being periodic — of recurrence at regular intervals; organized as a sequence of intervals or period (schools, movement, styles, etc.), as studies of art history commonly are. It is being discussed when one hears about stylistic pendulum swinging. Although such structure allows for the making of generalizations which are needed in developing a framework for the understanding of great spans of cultural history, awareness of variations tends to be lost. Unless the exceptions are studied, a less robust understanding of history results. This is one argument against the canon, and in support of multiculturalism. Also see animation, archaeology, chronology, concatenation, horology, interdisciplinary, moiré, music, rhythm, science and art, time, and tradition.