32. Postmodernism, Truth, and Power Flashcards
What is postmodernism?
Either the postwar modern period or a critique of the modern
What is antifoundationalism?
Attempts to find foundations are wrongheaded and impossible
What thinker is associated with antifoundationalism?
Rorty
What are metanarratives?
Grand narratives explaining history
What was Lyotard’s view of metanarratives
We don’t have them and don’t need them
What are practical linguistic contexts?
Language games among segments of society without high-level coordination
What was Foucault’s view of deviance?
It’s used as a means of control; ‘normal’ is defined and deviations are punished
What was the view of Cornell West?
That concepts of ‘reason’ and ‘rights’ have been used to oppress racial minorities
What was the view of Spivak?
Postcolonialism; even postmodernism is colonial because “the other” is not allowed to speak for themselves
What are communication systems?
The atomic elements of society according to Luhmann; they’re self-regulating systems among other systems
What is Luhmann’s view of meaning?
It’s internally constructed by communication systems for internal reasons
