Looking up...
postmodernism
/ˌpoʊstˈmɒdərnɪzəm/
movement rejecting absolute truths
Postmodernism questions the idea of objective reality in art and philosophy.
The term describes a cultural movement that challenges traditional notions of truth and meaning.
technical
A late 20th-century movement in the arts, architecture, and criticism that rejects the idea of absolute truth and objective reality, emphasizing subjectivity, irony, and the blending of high and low culture.
Jean-François Lyotard defined postmodernism as 'incredulity toward metanarratives.'
This highlights the rejection of grand theories explaining universal truths.
Postmodern architecture often features eclectic styles and playful forms.
Buildings like the Portland Building blend historical references with modern materials.
Postmodernism emerged in the 1960s–1980s as a reaction against modernism's emphasis on progress and rationality.
technical
A skeptical or relativistic worldview that denies the existence of universal truths or objective standards.
She adopted a postmodern perspective, arguing that all knowledge is culturally constructed.
This challenges the idea that facts exist independently of human interpretation.
Often criticized for promoting moral relativism or nihilism.
Collocations
postmodern theoryacademic frameworks analyzing postmodernismpostmodern artartistic works embodying postmodern principlespostmodern literaturefiction or poetry with postmodern themes
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overgeneralization
Postmodernism is not a single doctrine but a diverse set of ideas. Avoid using it as a blanket term for 'anything confusing or complex.'
Gold Rule
Context matters
In art or literature, postmodernism often involves irony, pastiche, or self-referentiality. In philosophy, it critiques foundationalism.
Word Origin
From 'postmodern' (post- 'after' + modern) + '-ism' (suffix denoting a system or doctrine). Coined in the mid-20th century to describe cultural shifts away from modernist ideals.
Usage Notes
Often used critically to imply excessive skepticism or fragmentation. In academia, it refers to specific theoretical frameworks (e.g., Derrida's deconstruction).
Word Breakdown
post-
after
prefixmodern
relating to modern times
root-ism
system or doctrine
suffixEnglish Dictionary