Explaining Postmodernism: A Conversation with Stephen Hicks
Jan 25, 2021
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Philosopher and author Stephen Hicks discusses the origins and influence of postmodernism, the shift from modernism, and its impact on politics, academia, and education. Emphasizes the importance of liberal democracy, preserving historical sanity, and liberal arts education in fostering independent thinking. Also mentions Hicks' upcoming book on liberalism and his work on philosophies of education.
Postmodernism challenges the foundations of liberal democracy by rejecting objective truth, individualism, and universal human values.
Postmodernism reflects a deep philosophical skepticism towards the possibility of objective knowledge and progress.
Postmodernism promotes social constructionism, undermining liberal democratic notions of equality, individual rights, and freedom.
Deep dives
Origins of Postmodernism
Postmodernism originated in the mid-20th century with French intellectuals like Foucault, Derrida, and Leotard. They challenged the assumptions and principles of modernism, which emphasized reason, objectivity, and individualism. Postmodernists argued for skepticism, subjectivity, and the social construction of reality. Their ideas became popular in academia, particularly in the humanities. Gradually, postmodernism spread to other fields and gained cultural influence. Its influence can be seen in areas like identity politics and the rejection of universal values. However, the endgame of postmodernism varies depending on the individuals and factions involved. Some may seek ongoing conflict and skepticism, while others may embrace relativism and identity-based activism.
The Battle of Ideas
Understanding postmodernism is crucial because it underlies the contemporary clash of ideas. Postmodernism challenges the foundations of liberal democracy by rejecting objective truth, individualism, and universal human values. Instead, it emphasizes power dynamics, group identity, and the rejection of objective reality. This clash of ideas presents a potential threat to liberal democracy and its principles of individual rights, due process, reason, and progress.
Historical Roots and Evolution
Postmodernism evolved from the philosophical debate between modernism and pre-modernism. The early modern world, starting in the 15th and 16th centuries, brought about revolutionary changes in science, religion, economics, and individualism. Modernism represented a shift towards empirical, rational, and individualistic thinking. Postmodernists emerged in the mid-20th century, critiquing the foundations of modernism and challenging the idea of objective truth. Their skepticism extended to perception, concepts, language, logic, and mathematics. Postmodernism reflects a deep philosophical skepticism towards the possibility of objective knowledge and progress.
Challenges to Liberal Democracy
Postmodernism poses significant challenges to liberal democracy. Its rejection of individualism, truth, and universal values undermines the foundations of liberal societies. Postmodernism promotes social constructionism, asserting that individuals are defined by their group identities rather than acting as autonomous thinkers. This outlook gives rise to identity politics and undermines liberal democratic notions of equality, individual rights, and freedom. As postmodernism pervades cultural and political spheres, it threatens the core principles of liberal democracy.
The Role of Education
Education plays a vital role in addressing the impact of postmodernism. Liberal arts education should aim to cultivate critical thinking, independent inquiry, and a comprehensive understanding of history, philosophy, and the arts. While educators can advocate for certain values and ideas, they must also encourage students to explore diverse viewpoints and develop their own informed perspectives. Education should equip individuals to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and engage in constructive debates, enabling them to live as free agents in a complex world.
In this episode, I invited the philosopher and author Stephen Hicks on the podcast to chat about his book, Explaining Postmodernism. Stephen has been a Professor of Philosophy at Rockford University in Illinois for nearly 20 years, and he's published widely on the history of philosophy, ethics, and politics.
The reason I invited Stephen on the show is because I think postmodernism planted the seeds of the illiberalism that's erupting throughout our society today, and Stephen Hicks literally wrote the book on that development. In my opinion, his insight is critical because the battle of ideas postmodern thinking provokes could very well determine the fate of liberal democracy our lifetime.
To learn more about Stephen Hicks, I encourage you to visit his website, stephenhicks.org, or follow him on Twitter.
