An Introduction to Postmodernism

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An Introduction to Postmodernism Tom, Harlene and Presuppositions According to Tom and Harlene in the Andersen and Anderson video, some key presuppositions of postmodernism are: 1. Time Concept- Postmodernism was a derivative of Modernism. The modern period was a reaction to the medieval times. The church and other authorities set rules for how people should live; and the people were tired of being controlled. Some big words that came from the Modern Period are Liberty, Rationalism, and Individualism. Postmodern times have restored perspectives of ethics and aesthetics, and this has a lot to do with tradition. 2. Language- Daily language carries tradition. Tom believes that there are hidden things to be uncovered in language which goes back to Plato and the Greek times. Arlene believes that the concept of language and the concept of time are intertwined. Whether we think in terms of time concepts or ideologic concepts, and how we think about these concepts has changed over time. Or in “Rorty’s term,” language that “mirrors” something that is there. Language is fluid and ever-changing rather than is something that is static. 3. Notions of the self- Tom thinks that postmodern times challenges the idea of the “self” and “character,” and that we do not know if an “inner core” exists. Harlene believes we have “Two Selves.” The core self, and the relational self. Any rigid thinking is not postmodern. 4. Ideological Concept- According to Tom, postmodernism has to do with reactions to the modern period where we went too far in the belief of progress. The drive for progress has damaged our world, and is pessimistic about the idea of progress. The idea of progress is a reaction to a profound idea. Harlene states that our ideas developed under a “postmodern” umbrella, both time and ideological. In meeting with Ken Gergen in the early 80’s, he introduced her to social
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