Nature & Nurture #147: Dr. Jason Storm - From Postmodernism to Metamodernism
Oct 23, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jason Storm, a philosopher and historian at Williams College, dives into the transition from postmodernism to metamodernism. He critiques simplified narratives around these philosophical movements while exploring their historical significance. The conversation spans topics like the evolutionary basis of language, the interplay between cognitive science and AI, and the fluidity of sex and gender. Storm's insights challenge conventional views and advocate for a broader understanding of cultural and psychological constructs.
Metamodernism serves as a framework that transcends modernism and postmodernism, fostering constructive discourse across the humanities and social sciences.
The historical evolution of modernism and postmodernism illustrates radical shifts in European thought, shaping diverse cultural identities through various philosophical influences.
The podcast critiques postmodernism's reliance on jargon, emphasizing a need for a systematic philosophical approach to further understanding in the humanities.
An interdisciplinary focus integrating neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and philosophy is essential for exploring complex human behaviors and cultural narratives.
Deep dives
Understanding Metamodernism
Metamodernism is described as a framework that surpasses the limitations of both modernism and postmodernism. It was initially inspired by the term coined by Moyo Okadiji to highlight how certain artists challenge existing categorizations of modernism and postmodernism. The speaker notes that metamodernism is intended not just as a definition but as a catalyst for evolving discussions within humanities and social sciences. Instead of presenting a complete paradigm shift, it aims to stimulate constructive discourse that integrates different perspectives.
Historical Context of Artistic Movements
The speaker discusses the historical evolution of modernism and postmodernism, outlining how modernity was characterized by various radical ruptures in European thought. Early modernists sought to define Europe’s new cultural identity through scientific revolutions and capitalism, forming conflicting notions of modernism in art and literature. Conversely, postmodernism emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction to modernism, blending contrasting philosophical influences from major thinkers like Derrida and Foucault. This amalgamation eventually formed an academic paradigm that highlighted the complexities and critiques of established norms but also became a set of doctrines limiting further inquiry.
Critique of Postmodernism
The discussion highlights the shortcomings of postmodernism and its reliance on complicated jargon, suggesting that while it opened doors to critique fixed norms, it also led to impasses in philosophical inquiry. Many who gravitated toward postmodern theory found themselves mired in contradictions, recognizing that certain philosophical issues remained inadequately addressed. There's an acknowledgment that, although some insights were valuable, postmodernism often fell short of offering constructive solutions. The speaker argues for a more rigorous and systematic approach to philosophy that reconciles interdisciplinary insights, particularly in the fields of humanities and social sciences.
Cultural Patterns in Storytelling
The speaker reflects on the recurring motifs and structures in storytelling, particularly how elements like heroes and dragons manifest in various cultures. While discussing the universality of mythological creatures like dragons, there is an exploration of cultural specificity that challenges the notion of absolute archetypes. For instance, dragons in Western cultures often represent different threats and fears compared to their Eastern counterparts, which are more water-based rather than fire-breathing. This highlights the importance of context and shared cultural narratives in understanding how diverse societies articulate their fears and values through storytelling.
Interplay of Science and Philosophy
The conversation navigates the overlaps between neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and philosophy, particularly in the realm of innate fears and social constructs. The exploration asserts that humans have natural responses to stimuli such as snakes or spiders, often rooted in evolutionary adaptations. This understanding leads to examining how these biological predispositions might influence broader cultural narratives, including archetypes and myths. The speaker captures the importance of integrating scientific findings about human behavior with philosophical inquiries into human existence and social cognition.
Complexity in Social Sciences
A core argument is presented that emphasizes the necessity of complexity theory and its implications for human behavior and social structures. The speaker highlights how both science and the humanities can benefit from understanding these intricate systems that govern behavior, including how emotional and psychological factors interact with socio-cultural constructs. There's a call for scholars across disciplines to engage with each other more deeply, utilizing findings in biology, cognitive science, and anthropology. This interdisciplinary approach allows for nuanced insights into human behavior while addressing gaps in traditional academic structures.
Rethinking Archetypes and Identity
The dialogue explores the concept of archetypes, initially linked to Jungian psychology, and contemplates their relevance in contemporary discourse. It is posited that instead of defining rigid archetypes, a more fluid understanding acknowledging the complexities of identity and experience is necessary. The idea of 'meta-type' is introduced as a way to articulate broader characteristics that emerge from individual identities without being constrained by traditional gender binaries. Such a conceptual framework allows for a discussion on how narrative, culture, and psychology can foster a more inclusive understanding of human experience.
Dr. Jason Storm is a philosopher, historian, and the Francis Christopher Oakley Third Century
Professor of Religion at Williams College. Dr. Storm is the author of several books including Metamodernism: The Future of Theory.
In this episode, Jason and I talk about the history of modernism and postmodernism in philosophy and the arts, the concept of paradigm shifts in science and the humanities, and the most recent paradigm shift from postmodernism to metamodernism. We discuss Jason’s book Metamodernism, its central themes and refutations of postmodernist claims, grounding theories about human language and subjectivity in evolutionary biology and computational neuroscience, and more. Lastly, we discuss the philosophy of religion in relation to evolutionary psychology, memetic and cultural evolution, and neuropsychoanalysis.
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