Is postmodernism dangerous? | Abby Innes, Hilary Lawson, Robin van den Akker, Sophie Scott-Brown

Quick Overview

Postmodernism's questioning of objective truth and its subsequent impact on political and economic discourse is dangerous, as it undermines the foundations of shared understanding and potentially leads to an inability to address societal challenges effectively.

Key Points: Postmodernism's skepticism towards objective truth and its embrace of subjective narratives can be dangerous, as it hinders the establishment of common ground for addressing complex issues. The post-war era saw a shift from seeking objective truth to embracing diverse perspectives, a trend that postmodernism amplified by questioning grand narratives and universal truths. The danger lies in the potential for any perspective to be deemed equally valid, leading to an inability to distinguish fact from fiction or to construct shared frameworks for problem-solving. This intellectual stance can be seen as a vulnerability, as it may prevent societies from developing effective responses to challenges like climate change or pandemics. The speakers suggest that while acknowledging plurality is important, completely abandoning the pursuit of objective truth or shared factual bases is detrimental. The discussion implies a need to balance the acknowledgment of diverse perspectives with the foundational importance of empirical evidence and rational discourse. The critique of postmodernism highlights its potential to erode the basis for collective action and meaningful societal progress by fostering relativism.

Context: The video features a panel discussion with academics Abby Innes (political economist), Hilary Lawson (post-postmodern philosopher), and Robin van den Akker (philosopher and cultural theorist), moderated by Sophie Scott-Brown. The central theme revolves around the potential dangers of postmodernism, particularly its tendency to question objective truth and universal narratives. The panelists explore how this philosophical stance might impact our ability to understand and address contemporary societal and political challenges, contrasting it with earlier eras that emphasized empirical evidence and rationalism.