Postmodern Philosophy and Culture

This course offers an introduction to the importance of postmodernism as it first emerged within Western culture. We will begin by clarifying key terms such as modernity, modernism, postmodernity, and postmodernism. Next, we will explore the very essence of postmodernism itself. Is it simply a theoretical concept, or does it represent a genuine phenomenon? Is it exclusive to the Western world, or does its influence extend further? Finally, we will consider whether postmodernism applies equally across various fields, including art, philosophy, culture, society, economics, politics, and science.

Postmodernism is seen as an emerging and non-unified cultural/philosophical/social phenomenon taking place in the context of new modes of information, technology and economic forces. It has been associated with the development of a higher stage of capitalism (Frederick Jameson, 1934-); it leads to cultural fragmentation, excessive subjectivity, and rejects pre-established and foundational modes of understanding. Postmodernist theories criticise modern theories for their universalism, totalitarian claims, will to power, pretension to grasp the ‘truth’ and self-interested rationalism. Postmodernist philosophers reject the modern belief according to which theory can mirror and give a neutral account of reality. They favour multiplicity, plurality, and indeterminacy.

Lectures

1. Introduction to the postmodern: its origin, nature and limitations

2. To destroy truth and knowledge: Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)

3. Technology and being in postmodern media: Martin Heidegger (1889-1976)

4. Postmodern deconstruction of culture: Jacques Derrida (1930-2004)

5. The postmodern sublime: Jean-François Lyotard (1928-1998)

6. Postmodern philosophy of becoming and non-sense: Deleuze and painting (1925-1995) 

7. Postmodernity, difference, and repetition: Deleuze and cinema (1925 -1995) 

8. Deconstructing gender: Luce Irigaray, the gaze and the touch (1932- )

9. Hyper-reality and postmodern culture: Jean Baudrillard (1929-2007)

10. Postmodernity, reason and communication: Jürgen Habermas (1929-)