Understanding a Challenging Intellectual Current
In an intellectual landscape often dominated by complex and sometimes bewildering theories, understanding the underpinnings of various philosophical movements is crucial for informed discourse. A recent review of Stephen Hicks’ book, *Explaining Postmodernism*, penned by Professor Gary Jason of California State University, Fullerton, offers a valuable entry point for conservatives seeking to grapple with this influential, yet often misunderstood, philosophical current. The review, highlighted by a Google Alert for Philosophy, provides a conservative journalist’s perspective on how postmodernism has impacted contemporary thought and culture, and why understanding it remains a pertinent concern.
The Philosophical Terrain: Postmodernism’s Reach
Postmodernism, a broad intellectual movement that emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century, challenges many of the foundational assumptions of modern thought. These include notions of objective truth, universal reason, and grand narratives that claim to explain history or human experience. Stephen Hicks, a professor of philosophy at Rockford College, has authored *Explaining Postmodernism*, a work aimed at demystifying this complex subject. The review by Professor Jason, an academic in philosophy himself, offers an assessment of Hicks’ attempt to explain postmodernism’s core tenets and its historical trajectory. According to the summary of the review, Hicks has produced a “clearly written” work, suggesting an effort to make an intricate subject accessible.
Professor Jason’s Conservative Assessment of Hicks’ Work
Professor Gary Jason’s review, as indicated by its metadata, focuses on Hicks’ explanation of postmodernism. While the provided summary is brief, it hints at the nature of the assessment. For conservative readers, understanding postmodernism is often framed by its perceived challenges to traditional values, established institutions, and the very concept of objective morality. The review’s existence, and its highlighting through a philosophy-focused Google Alert, suggests that Hicks’ book is seen as a significant contribution to the conservative intellectual effort to analyze and critique postmodern thought. The review’s framing by a conservative journalist implies an interest in how Hicks’ analysis might equip readers with the tools to identify and respond to postmodern influences in various aspects of life, from academia to public policy.
Deconstructing Postmodernism: Key Tenets and Criticisms
The essence of postmodernism, as typically understood in critical circles, lies in its skepticism towards universal truths and grand narratives. Instead, it emphasizes the role of power structures, language, and cultural contexts in shaping what we consider knowledge and reality. Hicks’ book, and by extension Professor Jason’s review, likely delves into these concepts. For instance, postmodern thought often critiques what it sees as the inherent biases embedded in Western philosophical traditions, challenging the universality of reason and science. This can translate into a rejection of absolute moral codes and a greater emphasis on subjective experience and cultural relativism. From a conservative perspective, these tenets can be seen as undermining the foundations of social order, individual responsibility, and objective truth that are often held as paramount. Professor Jason’s review, therefore, is expected to examine how effectively Hicks navigates these often contentious aspects of postmodernism, providing a clear articulation of its internal logic and its outward implications.
The Stakes: Why Understanding Postmodernism Matters
The implications of postmodern thought are far-reaching. In academia, it has influenced fields ranging from literary criticism and sociology to history and political science. In culture, its themes can be observed in art, media, and popular discourse, often manifesting as critiques of authority, tradition, and established norms. For conservatives, understanding postmodernism is not merely an academic exercise; it is seen as essential for engaging in debates about the nature of truth, morality, and the structure of society. Without a clear grasp of postmodernism’s intellectual architecture, it can be challenging to effectively counter arguments that, consciously or unconsciously, draw upon its premises. Professor Jason’s review likely emphasizes the importance of such understanding for intellectual self-defense and for articulating alternative, robust frameworks of thought.
Navigating the Intellectual Landscape: Conservative Responses and Strategies
Hicks’ book, as reviewed by Jason, appears to be a resource for those seeking to understand postmodernism from a conservative viewpoint. This involves not just recognizing its ideas but also critically evaluating their validity and their impact. A conservative response often centers on reasserting the importance of reason, objective truth, and enduring moral principles. It may involve highlighting the potential for postmodernism’s relativistic tendencies to lead to societal fragmentation and a lack of shared values. The review by Professor Jason, by focusing on Hicks’ work, implicitly suggests that understanding the “explanation” of postmodernism is the first step in formulating a reasoned and principled conservative counter-argument. This approach aims to engage with complex ideas on their own terms while maintaining a commitment to a particular set of philosophical and ethical commitments.
Key Takeaways for Conservative Thinkers
* Professor Gary Jason’s review of Stephen Hicks’ *Explaining Postmodernism* provides a valuable lens for conservatives to understand a significant philosophical movement.
* Postmodernism challenges fundamental concepts like objective truth, universal reason, and grand narratives.
* Understanding postmodernism is crucial for conservatives to engage effectively in debates about truth, morality, and societal structures.
* Hicks’ book, as assessed by Jason, aims to demystify postmodernism, offering a basis for critical engagement.
* Conservative responses often involve reasserting the importance of reason, objective truth, and enduring moral principles.
Further Exploration of Postmodern Thought
For those interested in delving deeper into the intellectual currents that shape our contemporary world, exploring works that explain and critique postmodernism is a worthwhile endeavor. Stephen Hicks’ *Explaining Postmodernism* offers a detailed examination. Professor Gary Jason’s review serves as a guide to understanding this work from a particular intellectual vantage point. Engaging with such materials allows for a more nuanced and informed approach to the complex philosophical and cultural debates of our time.
References
* Stephen Hicks’ Official Page for *Explaining Postmodernism*: This provides direct access to information about the book, including its contents and potential endorsements.
* Professor Gary Jason’s Review of *Explaining Postmodernism*: This is the primary source document for Professor Jason’s assessment of Hicks’ book.