What does this term mean? It has been thrown around alot lately as a criticism of the likes of Derrida and Feminism etc, but I think it's become a buzzword. Where ever possible I use the terms 'Post-Structural' or 'Post-Humanist' in its place.
To me, it is an artist statement of post-world war II society, the post-Nietzschean nihilism (nihilism is another word I use sparingly) as in - the values in society of colonialism and imperialism has lost their breadth and were subject to review.
Thoughts on this anyone?
Post-Modernism
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Re: Post-Modernism
Modernism is a term I first heard in reference to art and architecture especially. Perhaps it is easier to contrast the more concrete differences of a Modern and Post Modern building. If you notice when you are in a Modern building, you will for example be made to follow the main routes and passages, even if they take you away from your particular destination. This can lead many of us to becoming lost as the objectivity of the building always enforces it's route/way above our own intuition or sense of direction. Modernity always has a sense of progress or at least that they the new artist are over throwing the previous genre whom were lacking in this, the most important area. Post Modernity has more modesty so to speak and is perhaps more apathetic , except in the one idea that no one movement can be totally right. Their building would consist of many passages an amalgamation of references to different times and cultures, it would even try to question basic functions in a building as in some of Derrida's architectural projects. Most criticise Post Modernist for this apathy and lack of direction.
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Re: Post-Modernism

This is indeed a very apathetic building.
Apathy is also another term for tolerance, according to Glenn Newey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxEtYPBEydQ
Re: Post-Modernism
Post modernism is confusion
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Re: Post-Modernism
Great quote. Would or might at least be cool on a t-shirt as well, maybe in some unusual but visible place meant to represent how post-modernism may be an effort to renew interest in certain things as stimulated by nihilism or boredom as a kind of defense mechanism or even an unconscious effort to bring attention even for attentions sake to a world feared deathly dying dumb and dead or static.
Finding oneself feeling disabled or stifled or space restricted or threatened as impossible, the mind affirms life through the creation of inner spaces and categories.
If this starts to fail, the final mechanism is to forget.
Finding oneself feeling disabled or stifled or space restricted or threatened as impossible, the mind affirms life through the creation of inner spaces and categories.
If this starts to fail, the final mechanism is to forget.
Re: Post-Modernism
Maybe only time will tell. I think post modernism is essentially a critique of what is called modernism and they are saying that modernism is too restrictive in some sense. Modernism has a belief in progress for example, a simple belief that we are improving, or that we should be improving ourselves/society. Modernism can ride roughshod over people and communities in the name of progress, ignoring their needs and gifts to society. I would not say it's nihilistic to argue we should take differences more into account. That it is not anti foundational as it tries to promote understanding, imagination and is anti domination.
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Re: Post-Modernism
Progress/growth is a creed that sells, but is indeed harmful and so the authority of such a creed is bought into question.
Post Modernism is a critique after the fact, it's where we are, we are already in it.
Post Modernism is a critique after the fact, it's where we are, we are already in it.