Lecture Notes: Understanding Post-Modernism

Introduction to Post-Modernism

• Once popular in academic settings, particularly in literary and theology departments.
• Less prevalent in natural sciences, philosophy, and history departments today.
• Still influential in cultural aspects like TV, movies, and the legal system.

Challenges in Defining Post-Modernism

• Difficult to pinpoint a starting point for post-modernism.
  • Epistemology: Traces back to Immanuel Kant.
  • Anthropology: Relates to thoughts post-Freud.
• Complex to define, similar to 'nailing down jello.'

Context: Modernism vs. Post-Modernism

Modernism

• Emerged in the 17th century with figures like Rene Descartes and Francis Bacon.
• Shifted from religious perspectives to secular foundations of knowledge.
• Key themes:
  • Objective Perspective: Aim to see from a 'God’s eye view' without biases.
  • Universal Rationality: Belief in a single rational way of thinking.
  • Inevitable Progress: Idea of constant improvement, both in scientific and political systems.
• Modernism explicitly rejected religious bedrocks of knowledge.

Post-Modernism

• Rejects assumptions and ideals of modernity.
• Denies concepts of absolute truth (truth with a big T).
  • Rejects Correspondence Theory of Truth (Truth is what corresponds to reality).
  • Defines truth as what works or what is consistent within a system.
• No overarching narratives (meta-narratives) or universal truths.

Impact of Post-Modernism on Culture

• Challenges traditional truths and often seeks to replace them with new moralities.
• Influences seen in societal changes:
  • Sexual revolution and transgender movement.
  • Redefining gender and human identity.

Conclusion

• Post-modernism remains influential in shaping cultural perspectives and definitions.
• Important to understand its concepts and effects on contemporary society.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the key points discussed in the lecture on post-modernism, its historical context, and its cultural impact.