Aesthetics in Negotiation: Part Two: The Uses of Alchemy

Abstract

In Part One, in this volume, we discussed the four classic elements — earth, water, air and fire — as paths via which beauty can infuse negotiation. Another way these four elements can be explored is through the organizing concept of alchemy. Alchemy, historically concerned with changing states and physical properties, including turning one substance into another, is essentially concerned with transformation. Given that negotiation — when optimal — may also yield transformation, we examine what alchemical concepts may have to offer here.