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Posted by nåte on January 14, 1999 at 22:37:34:
In Reply to: Re: Re: well I'll tell ya what post-modernism is... posted by David on January 14, 1999 at 12:43:15:
: : : I am currently a grad student at the University of Idaho, and I have been
: : : hearing a lot about the "concept" of post-modernism. However, noone has successfully
: : : given me a clear definition of what this seemingly farsical idea is. Also,
: : : I recently read a chapter in one of my textbooks on rhetoric and composition that
: : : half-heartedly mentioned post-modernism in relation to modern methods of teaching
: : : composition at the college level. I just can't see this as a valid ideal at this point.
: : : If anyone has any insight (and possibly a legitimate definition) please let me know.
: : : I would appreciate any email on the subject.
: : Postmodernism promotes an entirely different worldview with entirely different presuppositions that traditional, naturalistic secular humanism (modernism). Modernists see reality as possessing universal and absolute truths. Human reasoning is the key to apprehending these truths, and it depends on the laws of logic. Hence, logical inferences are valid, legitimate, and trustworthy; truth is objective and attainable.
: : Postmodernists, on the other hand, see truth as wholly pluralistic and relativistic. They reject the concept of a universe where reality can be apprehended entirely through rational process--human reasoning. There is no universal or absolute truth in any area of knowledge, including science, history, psychology, sociology, ethics, and religion.
: : Postmodernists believe that truth has its source in human ideas and experiences, as interpereted through individual cultures, rather than in a source outsided human thoughts and feelings--such as God. They ume that contradicting beliefs can be true at the same time--as they must, if truth depends on people, and people have different opinions on what is truth.
: Thanks for the reply. I don't agree with this philosophy, however, I appreciate your willingness to share your insights on this seemingly elusive philosophy. I still don't believe that post modernism has anything valid to add to composition theory, however, it does make an interesting discussion topic for possible composition ignments. Thanks Again.
not a problem, and neither do I adhere to such
a problematic irrational worldview. : )
Godbless...