Pemikiran Lyotard: Pengetahuan (Ilmiah), Narasi dan Merkantilisasi Pengetahuan di Era Postmodern

Summary

This video discusses the ideas of Jean-François Lyotard on knowledge in the postmodern era, focusing on the commercialization of knowledge and its transformation through technological advancements. It explores how knowledge, once aimed at uncovering truth and justice, now serves practical, economic purposes, aligning with capitalist systems. Lyotard critiques the shift from philosophical and scientific inquiry to knowledge that is commodified and valued for its utility in a capitalist framework. The discussion also highlights the importance of respecting diverse knowledge systems, such as local narratives, and stresses the need for a broader, pluralistic view of knowledge in the contemporary world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lyotard argues that knowledge in the postmodern era is shaped by the rapid development of technology and capitalism, which have transformed the way knowledge is created and utilized.
• 😀 Postmodern knowledge is no longer focused on truth and justice but has shifted towards practicality and efficiency, emphasizing its utility and how it can be applied to make human work easier and more effective.
• 😀 In the postmodern era, knowledge is primarily viewed as a commodity, with its value being assessed based on its economic utility rather than its ability to seek truth or justice.
• 😀 The focus in modern knowledge production has moved from finding truth to asking whether the knowledge is useful, highlighting a shift in the priorities of academic and scientific communities.
• 😀 Knowledge in the postmodern age is a battleground for power, with those controlling knowledge having significant influence, especially in the digital era where information becomes a key asset.
• 😀 Lyotard challenges the simplification of knowledge as purely scientific or denotative, arguing that knowledge also includes prescriptive and narrative forms that contribute to societal well-being and justice.
• 😀 There is a growing tension between narrative knowledge (e.g., local wisdom and cultural knowledge) and scientific knowledge, with Lyotard advocating for equal recognition of both types of knowledge.
• 😀 Lyotard emphasizes that postmodern knowledge is not about the expertise of individual specialists but is more pluralistic, created through collective efforts and diverse perspectives.
• 😀 In the context of universities and academic institutions, the commodification of knowledge has led to the question of whether the knowledge produced can be sold or applied for economic gain.
• 😀 The shift towards the mercantilization of knowledge has resulted in the prioritization of knowledge that supports economic systems, such as digital technologies and innovations, at the expense of critical or philosophical knowledge that might question these systems.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Jean-François Lyotard's thinking about knowledge in the postmodern era?

Lyotard focuses on how knowledge is influenced by the rapid technological advancements and the rise of capitalism after the Industrial Revolution. He examines how knowledge production has shifted from being oriented towards truth and justice to being more about effectiveness, efficiency, and economic utility.

How does Lyotard view the transformation of knowledge in the postmodern age?

Lyotard argues that knowledge is no longer primarily about discovering truths or addressing justice, but rather about practical utility—knowledge should be valuable in terms of its ability to enhance productivity and contribute to economic systems. This shift is influenced by the rise of capitalism and technology.

What role does capitalism play in the development of knowledge, according to Lyotard?

Capitalism plays a critical role in shaping how knowledge is produced and valued. Knowledge is often reduced to a commodity in capitalist systems, with a focus on efficiency, profitability, and the ability to serve the interests of investors and corporations.

How does Lyotard describe the impact of technology on knowledge?

Lyotard highlights that technological advances, particularly in machinery and digital tools, have radically transformed how knowledge is created and applied. This transformation has led to the prioritization of practical, economic, and efficient knowledge over philosophical or purely intellectual pursuits.

What does Lyotard mean by 'mercantilization of knowledge'?

The mercantilization of knowledge refers to the idea that knowledge is increasingly treated as a product to be bought and sold, rather than as something purely intellectual or meant to serve broader human goals like justice or truth. Knowledge is now valued based on its potential for economic benefit.

What distinction does Lyotard make between scientific knowledge and narrative knowledge?

Lyotard emphasizes that scientific knowledge and narrative knowledge are fundamentally different. Scientific knowledge is objective and tested, while narrative knowledge (e.g., local wisdom or cultural knowledge) is more subjective and context-dependent. He argues that both forms of knowledge are important and should be treated with equal respect.

Why does Lyotard criticize the simplification of knowledge to just 'scientific knowledge'?

Lyotard criticizes the reduction of all knowledge to scientific, denotative knowledge because it excludes other valuable forms of knowledge, such as cultural or ethical insights. He advocates for a broader understanding of knowledge that includes prescriptive and evaluative knowledge, not just factual or objective claims.

How does Lyotard's view of knowledge challenge the traditional scientific approach?

Lyotard challenges the traditional scientific approach by arguing that knowledge should not only aim to explain or describe facts but should also consider its implications for justice, ethics, and social well-being. Scientific knowledge should not be seen as the only valid form of knowledge.

What is the significance of 'paralogy' in Lyotard's concept of knowledge?

Paralogy, according to Lyotard, refers to the idea that knowledge in the postmodern era is not universal or fixed but is created by many different people with varying perspectives. This contrasts with the notion of knowledge being a singular, expert-driven truth, emphasizing pluralism and diversity in knowledge creation.

What are the implications of Lyotard's critique of the commodification of knowledge?

Lyotard's critique suggests that when knowledge is commodified, its true value as a means for intellectual and social improvement is lost. Knowledge becomes merely a tool for economic exploitation, driven by market forces rather than the pursuit of truth, justice, or human flourishing.