Postmodernism Culture War And The Meaning Crisis With John Vervaeke | EMP Podcast 83
Jul 5, 2021
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John Vervaeke, an expert in postmodernism and the meaning crisis, joins the podcast to discuss the rise of the culture war and the effects of postmodernism. They explore the positive aspects and failures of postmodernism, rooted in cognitive science, embodiment, and ecological psychology. The conversation also touches on controversial figures in anthropology, the influence of postmodernism on society, the origins and influences of postmodernist thinking, and the sinister side of postmodernism, specifically focusing on Foucault. They also delve into the intersection of science, politics, and the meaning crisis, the narrative on police brutality and violence against black men, and intergenerational trauma caused by historical racism. The podcast concludes with a discussion on reason, intelligibility, and expressing gratitude.
Postmodernism lacks a comprehensive alternative to modernism, relying on critique without proposing sustainable frameworks.
Metaphorical frameworks of the body as a machine and mind as a computer have limitations in physical therapy and motor control.
Postmodernism deconstructs assumptions and power dynamics within modernist frameworks, highlighting the importance of critically examining metaphors.
Navigating postmodernism requires understanding its influences, such as economic disparities and historical racism, while aiming for empathy and inclusivity.
Deep dives
The Critique of Postmodernism
Postmodernism, as described in this podcast episode, is critiqued for its tendency to be parasitic, unstable, and lacking in a comprehensive alternative to modernism. The reliance on nominalism, which denies the existence of real patterns in the world, coupled with romanticism, has shaped postmodern thought. However, this critique also highlights the importance of questioning and reevaluating the metaphorical frameworks we use to understand the world. The conversation acknowledges that postmodernism does offer some valid criticisms of modernism, such as its emancipatory potential and the need to challenge individualism. However, it argues that postmodernism, as a movement, remains bound within the same framework it critiques, ultimately leading to a lack of sustainable alternatives.
The Failure of Modernist Models
The podcast episode discusses how the prevalent metaphorical frameworks of the body as a machine and the mind as a computer have limitations and shortcomings. These models have influenced various fields, including physical therapy and motor control, but have led to fragile spines, rigid movement practices, and unsustainable expectations. The conversation emphasizes the need to question and challenge these models and highlights the role of embodiment and alternative perspectives, such as dynamical systems theory and ecological psychology. It argues that the computational view of the mind fails to capture the complexity and situatedness of cognition. The critique calls for reconsidering these models and exploring more comprehensive frameworks that account for the dynamic and embodied nature of human experience.
Deconstructing Assumptions and Examining Power Dynamics
The podcast explores how postmodernism deconstructs assumptions and power dynamics within modernist frameworks. It raises questions about the pervasive influence of metaphors and their shaping of our understanding and actions. The conversation challenges prevailing ideas and reveals how certain notions, such as the body as a machine and the mind as a computer, can reinforce power imbalances and reductionistic thinking. It emphasizes the importance of critically examining these metaphors and the ways in which they empower or restrict our views of the world. By doing so, we can better understand the limitations of modernist perspectives and explore more inclusive and transformative alternatives.
Postmodernism's Lack of Comprehensive Alternative
Postmodernism, as discussed in the podcast episode, is critiqued for its failure to provide a comprehensive alternative to modernism. While it offers valuable criticisms and challenges to prevailing ideas, it often falls short in proposing alternative frameworks and models. The episode suggests that postmodernism is reliant on the context of modernism and lacks a coherent and sustainable vision of its own. The conversation highlights the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach that goes beyond critique and explores possibilities for genuine transformation. By critically examining both modernist and postmodernist perspectives, we can understand their limitations and work towards more holistic and integrative frameworks.
The Impact of Postmodernism on Society
Postmodernism has had a significant impact on society, particularly in the realm of culture and academia. It has challenged traditional notions of objectivity and truth, questioning the validity of scientific observation and the idea of universal knowledge. Its influence can be seen in the feminist movement, where it questions the social construction of gender and calls for the inclusion of diverse perspectives. However, the extreme embodiment of postmodernism can lead to the politicization of knowledge and a rejection of objective truth, potentially leading to the degradation of scientific principles. Furthermore, the rise of technology and social media has amplified the spread of postmodern ideas, creating a culture of cancelation and ideological extremism. It is important to navigate the complexities of postmodernism while recognizing its potential contributions and limitations.
The Role of Grief and Historical Racism
Grief and historical racism play an essential role in shaping societal perspectives and responses. The effects of racism and the trauma endured by marginalized communities have a significant impact on individuals and society as a whole. The historical legacy of racism continues to influence personal experiences, creating a sense of grief and injustice. This grief can be seen in social movements seeking justice and equality. While it is important to acknowledge the complex causes and effects of racism, it is also crucial to approach the topic with empathy and understanding. Recognizing the impact of historical racism allows for a more nuanced understanding of current social issues and a more productive dialogue aimed at fostering equality and inclusivity.
Postmodernism, the Meaning Crisis, and Beyond
Postmodernism arises as a response to the meaning crisis, which is the breakdown of traditional frameworks and worldviews. It questions the validity of modernism and enlightenment ideals, emphasizing the subjective nature of truth and the multiplicity of perspectives. Postmodernism addresses the need for a new approach to knowledge and understanding, one that incorporates individual experiences, cultural contexts, and the limitations of human perception. However, it is important to move beyond postmodernism and explore new frameworks that integrate reason, virtue, and meaning. This includes exploring philosophies like integralism and systems thinking that offer new insights into the complexities of human existence and provide a path forward toward a more integrated and meaningful worldview.
Navigating Postmodernism and Crafting a Viable Future
In navigating the complexities of postmodernism, it is essential to avoid extreme positions and polarizing debates. While critiquing postmodernism, it is crucial to acknowledge the underlying factors that contribute to its influence, such as economic disparities and advancements in technology. By understanding the root causes, including historical racism, societal responses and individual experiences can be better contextualized. This framework provides an opportunity to strengthen the conversation around dismantling oppressive systems, fostering empathy and understanding, and striving towards a more virtuous and integrated future that values universal principles while honoring diverse perspectives.
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On today’s episode of the EMP Podcast, my good friend and mentor John Vervaeke returns to have a conversation with me about a subject that he and I have a difference of opinion on. That area specifically is postmodernism and its overall effect on the development of the culture wars.
We’ll go into what’s going on with the rise of the culture war, how it interacts with the problems of modernity, as well as look at the rise of postmodernism and what positive aspects we can learn from it as well as why it fails in some senses.
We’ll also see how all this is rooted in 4E cognitive science, embodiment and ecological psychology, so it’s a very deep and rich conversation that may be a bit too technical for viewers who haven’t interacted with John's work in the past. I highly recommend checking out our previous episodes with John as well as diving into his youtube series “Awakening from the Meaning Crisis” if you haven’t had the chance to do so yet.
You can find links to that material down below! Thanks everyone, hope you enjoy the show.
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Learn More about John Vervaeke
YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/johnvervaeke
Twitter: @vervaeke_john
Here’s a link to our first conversation for those who haven’t seen it yet!
https://youtu.be/NmAO8hSQnpg
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