• Philosophy -> History of Philosophy

• 0 Comment

What criticisms have been levied against postmodernism and how have its proponents responded?

Jodi Louedey

Well, well, well, my dear friends! This is a topic that could make you fall asleep or light up like a bonfire, depending on your interest in philosophy. But worry not, for I am here to make it fun and exciting!

So, postmodernism... what is it? It's a fancy word that describes a way of thinking that started in the 20th century. It's all about questioning the grand narratives and metanarratives that shape our understanding of the world. For example, the idea that there is a universal truth or a fixed identity that defines us all. Postmodernists argue that these narratives are constructed and arbitrary, and they change according to the context and the people involved.

Now, the question is: what's the beef with postmodernism? Plenty, my dear Watson, plenty.

One of the main criticisms is that it's too skeptical and relativistic, meaning that it doesn't believe in anything and it denies the existence of objective reality. Critics argue that postmodernists reject science, logic, and reason, and they embrace a kind of irrationalism and obscurantism. They also claim that postmodernism is a kind of elitism that only appeals to academic snobs and hipsters who want to sound smart but don't have anything concrete to say.

Another criticism is that postmodernism is too self-referential and self-absorbed, meaning that it only talks about itself and doesn't engage with the real world. Critics argue that postmodernists are more concerned with playing word games and deconstructing texts than with addressing real issues, such as poverty, inequality, or climate change. They also claim that postmodernism is a kind of narcissism that glorifies individualism and subjectivity at the expense of collective action and social responsibility.

So, how do postmodernists respond to these criticisms? Well, my dear friends, they have a few tricks up their sleeves.

First of all, they argue that these criticisms are based on misunderstandings and misrepresentations of what postmodernism is all about. They claim that postmodernism is not a nihilistic or cynical philosophy, but a critical and creative one, that challenges the dominant paradigms and offers alternative perspectives. They also argue that postmodernism is not anti-science or anti-reason, but a way of augmenting them with other forms of knowing, such as emotions, traditions, or experiences.

Secondly, they point out that these criticisms are often ideologically motivated and serve to protect the status quo and the power structures that benefit from it. They claim that critics of postmodernism are usually conservative or authoritarian, who fear the democratization of knowledge and the empowerment of marginalized groups. They also argue that these critics indulge in ad hominem attacks and strawman arguments, instead of engaging with the actual arguments of postmodernism.

In conclusion, my dear friends, postmodernism is a fascinating and controversial philosophy that has spawned a lot of debate and critique. Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny its influence and its relevance in our current times. So, read some books, watch some videos, and form your own opinion. And don't forget to share it on social media, because, you know, everything is relative ;)