What Is Postmodernism and How Does It Affect Our Culture Today? | Dr. Jamie Dew

Summary

The video script explores the concept of post-modernism, tracing its origins and influence on culture. It highlights how post-modernism, although fading in academic circles, still deeply impacts society, especially through media and cultural movements. Post-modernism rejects modern assumptions about objectivity, universal rationality, and inevitable progress, instead promoting a more subjective approach to truth. The script discusses how post-modern ideas have reshaped perspectives on identity, morality, and truth, notably in areas like the sexual revolution and gender identity. Understanding post-modernism is crucial as it continues to shape cultural and societal norms.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Post-modernism was once prevalent in academic settings but has declined in certain departments like natural sciences and philosophy.
• 🌐 Despite its reduced presence in academia, post-modernism continues to significantly influence contemporary culture, including TV shows, movies, and legal systems.
• 🤔 Defining post-modernism is complex due to its varied starting points and the difficulty in pinpointing when it began.
• 📚 Modernism, which post-modernism reacts against, originated in the 17th century with thinkers like Descartes and Bacon, moving away from religious perspectives on knowledge.
• 🔍 Modernism was characterized by the pursuit of objectivity, universal rationality, and the belief in inevitable progress.
• 🚫 Post-modernism rejects the modern assumptions, including the concepts of universal objectivity and rationality, arguing that these are culturally contingent.
• 🌟 Post-modernists challenge the idea of a single, overarching 'Truth', suggesting that truth is relative and constructed.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Post-modern thought is evident in contemporary movements like transgenderism, where individuals define their own identities beyond traditional categories.
• 🧠 The rejection of a universal truth by post-modernism has led to a cultural shift where individuals are free to define themselves and their realities.
• 📉 While post-modernism's influence in academia may be waning, its impact on cultural narratives and individual self-perception remains strong.

Q & A

What is post-modernism?

Post-modernism is a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged as a reaction against the grand narratives of the Enlightenment and modernity. It questions the notions of universal truth, objective reality, and rationality, suggesting that these concepts are relative and constructed by social and cultural contexts.

Why should we care about post-modernism?

We should care about post-modernism because it has significantly influenced contemporary culture, including literature, media, and social issues. Understanding post-modernism helps us comprehend the cultural shifts and debates happening in society today.

Where is post-modernism prevalent today?

While post-modernism's influence has waned in academic fields like natural sciences and philosophy, it remains prevalent in culture, particularly in media such as TV shows and movies, as well as in societal issues like gender identity and sexuality.

How does post-modernism relate to modernism?

Post-modernism is a reaction against modernism. Modernism, which began in the 17th century with thinkers like Descartes and Bacon, emphasized objectivity, universal rationality, and inevitable progress. Post-modernism challenges these assumptions by rejecting the idea of a single, objective truth and emphasizing the constructed nature of knowledge.

What is the correspondence theory of truth mentioned in the script?

The correspondence theory of truth is the idea that a statement is true if it corresponds to the way things really are. This theory has been the basis for understanding truth in pre-modern and modern periods, but post-modernists reject this notion in favor of a more relative and constructed view of truth.

How does post-modernism view the concept of truth?

Post-modernism views truth not as an absolute or objective reality, but as something that is relative, constructed, and dependent on individual perspectives and cultural contexts. Truth, for post-modernists, is what works for us or is consistent with our narratives.

What is the impact of post-modernism on our understanding of human identity?

Post-modernism challenges traditional and classical definitions of human identity, including gender and sexuality. It encourages a more fluid and individualistic understanding of these aspects, allowing for personal definitions that may not align with historical or societal norms.

How does post-modernism affect the way we approach knowledge and learning?

Post-modernism affects our approach to knowledge and learning by emphasizing the importance of context, perspective, and cultural background. It suggests that knowledge is not absolute but is shaped by the individual's social and cultural environment.

What are some examples of post-modernist thought in contemporary culture?

Examples of post-modernist thought in contemporary culture include the acceptance of diverse gender identities, the questioning of traditional narratives in literature and media, and the emphasis on individual perspectives over objective facts in discussions of history and society.

How does post-modernism differ from the pre-modern worldview?

The pre-modern worldview was grounded in religious perspectives, with knowledge often derived from religious texts and authorities. Post-modernism, in contrast, rejects the idea of a single, overarching truth and emphasizes the multiplicity of narratives and perspectives.

What role does post-modernism play in the current discussions around transgenderism?

Post-modernism plays a significant role in discussions around transgenderism by challenging traditional definitions of gender and encouraging a more fluid understanding of identity. It supports the idea that individuals can define their own gender identity, separate from biological sex.

Outlines

00:00

📚 What is Post-Modernism and Why Does it Matter?

Post-modernism, once a prominent concept in academic circles, especially in literary and theological departments, has declined in relevance in fields like natural sciences and philosophy. However, it still significantly influences our culture, including TV, movies, and the justice system. Post-modernism is complex, with its roots traced back to different thinkers depending on the field. Its main challenge is pinpointing a clear starting point, as it spans diverse ideas from epistemology (e.g., Kant) to anthropology (e.g., Freud). To grasp post-modernism, it's crucial to first understand modernism, which began in the 17th century with figures like Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon, who sought to move away from religious knowledge as the foundation of truth.

05:01

🔍 Modernism: The Foundations of Knowledge

Modernism, born in the 17th century, marked a shift away from religious explanations of the world. Thinkers like Descartes and Bacon sought to rebuild knowledge on a foundation independent of religious assumptions. This era introduced several key ideas, including objective knowledge, universal rationality, and inevitable progress. For instance, modern thinkers believed that objective truth could be achieved by removing personal biases and seeing the world through a 'God's eye view.' The idea of inevitable progress was bolstered by the success of scientific discoveries and political advances like democracy. However, many of these assumptions, such as universal rationality, were later questioned as societies and cultures demonstrated different ways of thinking.

🚨 The Rejection of Modernism by Post-Modernism

Post-modernism explicitly rejects the core assumptions of modernism, including the concept of objective truth. Where modernism sought objective truths and rational progress, post-modernism argues that truth is subjective and dependent on individual perspectives or societal constructs. It dismisses the traditional idea of 'truth with a capital T' (meta-narrative), embracing a more fragmented view where overarching explanations no longer exist. This has had a profound impact on our culture, with post-modern ideals questioning long-held beliefs about truth and reality.

🌍 Cultural Impact of Post-Modernism: Truth and Identity

In today's culture, post-modernism manifests most visibly in movements like transgenderism and the broader sexual revolution. This philosophy challenges classical definitions of identity, allowing individuals to redefine themselves in ways that transcend traditional notions of gender and self. Post-modernism has contributed to the erosion of long-standing philosophical and religious ideas, allowing for a fluid understanding of human identity. By rejecting traditional truths, post-modernism has paved the way for more subjective interpretations of key aspects of human life, such as gender and self-perception.

Keywords

💡Post-modernism

Post-modernism is a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the mid to late 20th century as a reaction against the grand theories and ideologies that sought to explain all of reality and history. It is characterized by skepticism, a rejection of universal truths, and a focus on the local, specific, and individual. In the script, post-modernism is described as having a significant impact on contemporary culture, including TV shows, movies, and legal systems, despite its waning influence in academic circles.

💡Modernism

Modernism refers to both an era and a movement that arose from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, characterized by a break with traditional ways of thinking and creating art, literature, and music. It is associated with the idea of progress and the belief in the power of human reason and science. The script contrasts modernism with post-modernism, highlighting how the latter rejects the foundational assumptions of the former, such as objective truth and universal rationality.

💡Epistemology

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge. It asks questions like 'What is knowledge?' and 'How is knowledge acquired?' In the context of the script, epistemology is mentioned to illustrate the difficulty in pinpointing the exact starting point of post-modernism, as different philosophical questions about knowledge have different historical trajectories.

💡Objectivity

Objectivity in the script refers to the idea that one can perceive or understand reality without personal bias or subjective influences. It is a key assumption of modernity that post-modernism challenges by suggesting that such an unbiased perspective is impossible to achieve due to the inherent subjectivity of human perception and understanding.

💡Universal Rationality

Universal Rationality is the concept that there is one correct way of thinking that can be universally applied across all cultures and societies. The script discusses how this idea, a product of modern thought, was challenged by the emergence of modern anthropology and sociology, which revealed that different cultures have different ways of thinking and understanding the world.

💡Inevitable Progress

Inevitable Progress is the idea that society is moving towards a better state and that this improvement is both certain and continuous. The script uses this concept to illustrate the optimism of the modern era, which post-modernism questions by rejecting the notion of a singular, linear path to progress.

💡Correspondence Theory of Truth

The Correspondence Theory of Truth is the idea that a statement is true if it corresponds to the way things really are. The script mentions that post-modernists reject this traditional view of truth, arguing instead that truth is relative and subjective, dependent on individual perspectives and cultural contexts.

💡Meta Narrative

A Meta Narrative is a grand, overarching story or explanation that seeks to make sense of human history or reality as a whole. The script indicates that post-modernism rejects the idea of meta narratives, arguing instead for multiple, smaller narratives that reflect the diversity of human experience.

💡Transgenderism

Transgenderism is the concept of individuals identifying with a gender different from the one assigned to them at birth. The script uses transgenderism as an example of how post-modern thought has influenced contemporary culture, leading to a redefinition of traditional gender roles and identities.

💡Cultural Influence

Cultural Influence refers to the impact of ideas, beliefs, or values on society and its institutions. The script discusses how post-modernism, despite its decline in academic popularity, continues to exert a strong cultural influence, shaping attitudes and behaviors in areas such as entertainment, law, and personal identity.

Highlights

Post-modernism was once prevalent in academic settings but has waned in certain fields.

Post-modernism remains influential in culture, including TV shows and movies.

Defining post-modernism is complex due to its varied starting points and interpretations.

Modernism began in the 17th century with a move away from religious perspectives.

Modern thinkers like Descartes and Bacon sought to establish knowledge on new foundations.

Modernism assumed universal objectivity and rationality.

The idea of inevitable progress was a key assumption of modernity.

Post-modernism rejects the modern assumptions, including the concept of objective truth.

Post-moderns believe truth is relative and situational, not absolute.

Post-modernism denies the existence of overarching narratives or truths.

Post-modern culture seeks to redefine traditional concepts of identity and gender.

The sexual revolution and transgender movement exemplify post-modern ideals in culture.

Post-modern thought allows individuals to define themselves in any way they choose.

Post-modernism challenges classical and traditional definitions of humanity and gender.

Understanding post-modernism is crucial for grasping contemporary cultural shifts.

Transcripts

so what exactly is post-modernism and

should we even care about it anymore

indeed in the previous decades before us

post-modernism was in vogue in the

academic settings of our country and in

the Western world it's not necessarily

that way today you still find it in

literary departments you still find it

unfortunately sometimes in theology

departments but in the natural sciences

and philosophy departments and in other

departments history departments you

really don't have an obsession with this

thing called post-modernism anymore

it is however still very much alive in

our culture for example the TV shows

that you're watching probably right now

the movies that you're watching probably

right now the things that we're watching

play out in our courts right now all

have been deeply affected by this thing

called post-modernism so while it may be

waning in the Academy it is still very

much got its grip on us in our culture

so we do need to understand what it is

and what it's about

now it's complex and nailing down

exactly what postmodern is people have

said it's like trying to nail down jello

and so that's true in many ways part of

the difficulty is is we have a difficult

time saying exactly when post-modernism

starts so for example on questions about

epistemology that is the the

philosophical questions about our

knowledge well you could trace it all

the way back to people like Immanuel

Kant but if you're looking for our views

about what human beings are our

anthropology man you'd have to come all

the way up past Freud and so depending

on the topic in question post-modernism

seems to have these different starting

points and so it's very very difficult

for a lot of reasons I think the best

way to understand post-modernism is to

say something about modernism just very

quickly

modernism starts in the 17th century

with people like Rene Descartes and

Francis Bacon this is the move away from

religious perspectives that sort of

ground our knowledge in the past in the

pre-modern world if you wanted to know

something you look to the church if you

wanted explain something you explained

it with God this was the judeo-christian

worldview prior to the 17th century

well Descartes was a good Catholic and

Bacon was a good Protestant but what

they felt was wrong with the Western

world was that ultimately we had some

assumptions in the going about of our

knowledge that were ineffective and so

they wanted to start

clean they wanted to step for themselves

xiu'er in certain foundations that they

could build our knowledge upon and so

they cast aside religious perspectives

as many of these modern thinkers did

there's several themes that come up in

the modern period so for example the

idea that we can be completely objective

in our perspectives we can sort of strip

away our biases our dispositions our

backgrounds our education and we can see

it from quote a God's eye perspective

that means a view from nowhere we won't

be we won't be filtered by our

perspectives or our assumptions or any

of those things we'll just see things as

it really is just the facts and in many

ways you see that in the modern sciences

and so this idea of objectivity

Universal objectivity was an assumption

of modernity they also had this idea of

universal rationality they thought that

there was one right way to think and

everybody if we just educate them the

right way would think that way

everywhere in the world and we would

find as we go around from society to

society culture to culture we would find

them using the same rationality well as

modern anthropology and modern sociology

emerged in the Western world actually

what we found was just the opposite

there isn't a universal rationality

shared by all people everywhere and so

that modern assumption gets blown up

there's also the idea in modernity of in

the idea that comes about called

inevitable progress the idea that is we

were going to get better and better and

better and better sure our knowledge was

getting better this is the age of modern

science where our scientific discoveries

and knowledge just explodes this is the

age where we set aside the feudal system

politically speaking and we move into

democracies and things like that and so

you can understand why people think that

we're just getting better and better and

better in theological circles we begin

to think things like postmillennialism

where we think we're going to usher in

the kingdom of God and so those types of

things are what you see there well all

of that stuff may sound benign but

understand this the moderns were

explicitly rejecting these religious

ideas as the bedrock of our knowledge

that's what moved our knees doing post

modernity is now going to reject all of

those modern assumptions and ideals and

to us that might sound like it's not

that big a deal but here's the catch the

way they reject

was by getting rid of concepts of truth

now postmodern certainly have ideas of

truth but they don't believe by truth

the same thing you and I believe so for

example here's a statement we all think

to be true

I'm wearing a gray suit you think that's

true because the statement itself

corresponds to the way things really are

that's got a correspondence theory of

truth that had been the pre-modern and

the modern assumption postmoderns reject

that truth now is simply what works for

us or truth is simply which is

consistent with other things and so they

have ways of defining truth but there is

no longer anything like truth with a big

t know what we call matter narrative

that is meta meaning overarching

narrative meaning story there are no

overarching explanations around there's

no truths so you shouldn't pretend to

have one I shouldn't pretend to have one

that's at least what they say but notice

in our culture these people that dubbed

themselves as postmodern what they're

really after and what they're really

against is our truth they want to

substitute it with a different truth

with their own morality and things like

that so what one example of where you're

gonna see postmodern ideals flesh out in

our culture's really what you're seeing

happening in this this sort of

culmination of the sexual revolution and

the the movement into transgenderism and

other things like that we're now in a

place where people will say things like

I know I'm in a boy's body but I'm not a

boy I'm something else underneath that

and we're left to define not just truth

out there anyway we want to we're now

able to define ourselves in any

particular way we want to and there's

this getting rid of these classical

traditional ideas that go well back

before Christianity they would go back

to the to the Classical period of the

philosophers we Plato and Aristotle it

would come up through the Christian

tradition it would come up through the

medieval traditions it would come up all

the way through modernity it would even

come up pretty far into the 20 and 21st

century but now you're seeing it come to

full fruition where we're going to

redefine or get rid of definitions of

what it means to be a human what it

means to be a male what it means to be a

female and we're free now to just define

that any way we want to this is very

much a good example of the way

postmodern thought has infected our

culture and shape the way we think about

very very important things so in short

that's a crash course on post-modernism

it is still very much a lot

our culture and we do need to know what

it is

you