2017/02/25: Jordan Peterson: Postmodernism: How and why it must be fought

Summary

The speaker introduces the book 'Explaining Postmodernism' by Steven Hicks and emphasizes the need to understand postmodernism due to its pervasive influence in universities and the humanities. Postmodernism, according to the speaker, rejects Western civilization, logic, and individuality, promoting group identity and resentment. It is seen as an evolution of Marxism, where oppressor vs. oppressed dynamics replace class struggle. The speaker criticizes the indoctrination in education and argues that conservatives and liberals must resist postmodernism by emphasizing responsibility, free speech, and the value of Western traditions.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker recommends the book 'Explaining Postmodernism' by Steven Hicks to better understand the pervasive influence of postmodernism.
• 🧠 Postmodernism is a well-developed and intellectually appealing doctrine that dominates humanities and social sciences in universities.
• 🧑‍🏫 Postmodernism rejects Western civilization's structure, including logic, individualism, and dialogue, viewing these as tools of patriarchal oppression.
• 🗣️ Postmodernists believe in group identity over individual identity, with a focus on the struggle between oppressed and oppressor groups.
• ⚔️ The speaker argues that postmodernism is a continuation of Marxist ideology, substituting class struggle with identity group struggles.
• 🏛️ The speaker criticizes the infiltration of postmodernism into academic disciplines like women's studies, ethnic studies, sociology, and education.
• 💡 Postmodernism is seen as nihilistic, lacking gratitude for the advancements of Western societies, despite their flaws compared to hypothetical utopias.
• 🤝 The speaker emphasizes the importance of defending freedom of speech and individual responsibility, particularly to young people who are searching for meaning.
• 🗽 Conservatives and liberals should stop apologizing and reclaim their values, especially within universities and student unions, which are described as radicalized.
• ⚖️ The speaker advocates for cutting funding to radical left-wing academic institutions and rebalancing public resources to prevent indoctrination.

Q & A

What is the primary book recommended by the speaker?

The speaker recommends 'Explaining Postmodernism' by Steven Hicks.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of understanding postmodernism?

The speaker believes postmodernism is a pervasive, pernicious, and intellectually attractive doctrine that dominates the humanities and increasingly the social sciences in universities. It influences many people unknowingly and shapes societal dynamics.

What does the speaker suggest postmodernism fundamentally rejects?

Postmodernism, according to the speaker, rejects the structure of Western civilization, including logic, individualism, and dialogue. It views these aspects as tools used by patriarchal institutions to maintain dominance.

How does the speaker describe the influence of Jacques Derrida on postmodernism?

The speaker describes Jacques Derrida as a key figure in postmodernism who regarded Western culture as 'logocentric,' a male-dominated oppressive structure that prioritizes logic and rationality to maintain its power.

What is the speaker's criticism of the attitude of postmodernists toward Western society?

The speaker criticizes postmodernists for lacking gratitude toward Western society, despite its wealth and progress. They believe postmodernists are driven by resentment and arrogance, rejecting the benefits of the society they critique.

What shift in focus does the speaker attribute to postmodernists after the decline of Marxism?

The speaker claims that after the failure of Marxism, postmodernists shifted their focus from class struggle (bourgeoisie vs. proletariat) to identity groups (oppressed vs. oppressor), creating a new battleground based on race, gender, and other group identities.

Why does the speaker argue that conservatives should stop apologizing for their beliefs?

The speaker argues that apologizing is seen as an admission of guilt by postmodernists. Conservatives should stand firm in their beliefs instead of apologizing, as backing down weakens their position.

What actions does the speaker recommend to young conservatives at universities?

The speaker advises young conservatives to take control of student unions, which he describes as 'snake pits' dominated by radical postmodern neo-Marxist ideologies. He also suggests reducing university funding to force institutions to prioritize what's important.

What is the speaker’s criticism of the humanities and social sciences in universities?

The speaker criticizes these disciplines for becoming postmodern neo-Marxist playgrounds with poor scholarship. He notes that 80% of humanities papers are never cited and that taxpayers are funding this radical agenda.

What does the speaker believe is an appealing message for young people from conservatives?

The speaker believes that young people are seeking meaning and responsibility in life. Conservatives should promote freedom of speech and responsibility, offering an alternative to the left's focus on rights and social justice.