Chapter 4
Postmodernism and "The Myth of Progress": Two Visions
Discussion Guide for Two Visions
This chapter makes the distinction between two types of postmodernism:
skeptical and affirmative. Both types of postmodernism reject the possibility
of rational objectivity. In the place of reason, they say we are left
with nothing but power.
Skeptical Postmodernists
Skeptical postmodernists claim that when people make claims to ultimate
truth, usually religious or philosophical, the one thing we can count
on is that it will be used to justify self interest and power. Among
the examples Leffel cites are: so-called "Manifest Destiny"
and the alleged inferiority of African Americans. These are example
of what postmodernists call "epistemological tyranny."
- What does "epistemological tyranny" mean? What other examples
of epistemological tyranny can you think of?
- Leffel cites contemporary music and cinema as examples of skeptical
postmodernism. Discuss song lyrics and movies you've see that carry
the cynical view that skeptical postmodernists hold.
Affirmative Postmodernism
- Affirmatives are sometimes referred to as "constructivists."
What does this term mean? Can you think of any good examples of constructivism?
- Talk about examples like the gay rights movement and how they manipulate
public opinion by creating words like "homophobia." By inventing
this kind of language, they seek to create a new paradigm for social
morality, without seriously engaging the deeper moral issues. We just
label people "homophobes" if they have problems with the ethics
of homosexuality.
- Where and to what extent do you see constructivism in the university
today? Do we see constructivism in other areas of culture too?
- Get the group to talk about what they find in literature classes,
political science and other related fields. There will be many illustrations
of constructivism from the university environment and the curriculum.
- You could also discuss the recent motion pictures, The Scarlet
Letter and Nixon as affirmative, or ideological reworkings
of history and literature.
- In this chapter, Leffel makes a distinction between postmodern ideology
and postmodern culture. We can pick up postmodern ideology though comments
and sentiments people express. Postmodern-influenced people will often
say,
"Intuition and feelings might tell us more about reality than does
reason"
"People do what they do because their culture made them what they
are (we are cultural constructs)
"Government is nothing but a bunch of self-serving politicians.
They'll never really serve the people"
"The legal system is set up to cater to the rich and powerful.
You can't get justice if you're a minority or poor."
"No one knows what really happened in history, because people have
burned the accounts they didn't want to pass along"
"You don't look to religion for objective answers. It's just a
matter of personal belief and what works best for you."
- Discuss these views in the group. To what extent does the group identify
with them? Why or why not? Is it possible some statements might have
both a bad and a good component? What would be a biblical view of these
thoughts?
Facilitator's Guide to Two Visions
This chapter makes the distinction between two types of postmodernism:
skeptical and affirmative. Both types of postmodernism reject the possibility
of rational objectivity. In the place of reason, they say we are left
with nothing but power.
Skeptical Postmodernists
Skeptical postmodernists claim that when people make claims to ultimate
truth, usually religious or philosophical, the one thing we can count
on is that it will be used to justify self interest and power. Among
the examples Leffel cites are: so-called "Manifest Destiny"
and the alleged inferiority of African Americans. These are example
of what postmodernists call "epistemological tyranny."
- What does "epistemological tyranny" mean? What other examples
of epistemological tyranny can you think of?
- "White man's burden" as used by colonial powers
- "Scientism" is the view that nothing but the findings of
empirical science are valid
- Postmodernism is also epistemological tyranny, because it discounts
all other views.
- Leffel cites contemporary music and cinema as examples of skeptical
postmodernism. Discuss song lyrics and movies you've see that carry
the cynical view that skeptical postmodernists hold.
Affirmative Postmodernism
- Affirmatives are sometimes referred to as "constructivists."
What does this term mean? Can you think of any good examples of constructivism?
- Talk about examples like the gay rights movement and how they manipulate
public opinion by creating words like "homophobia." By inventing
this kind of language, they seek to create a new paradigm for social
morality, without seriously engaging the deeper moral issues. We just
label people "homophobes" if they have problems with the ethics
of homosexuality. Try to think of other examples.
- Where and to what extent do you see constructivism in the university
today? Do we see constructivism in other areas of culture too?
- Get the group to talk about what they find in literature classes,
political science and other related fields. There will be many illustrations
of constructivism from the university environment and the curriculum.
- You could also discuss the recent motion pictures, The Scarlet
Letter and Nixon as affirmative, or ideological reworkings
of history and literature.
- In this chapter, Leffel makes a distinction between postmodern ideology
and postmodern culture. We can pick up postmodern ideology though comments
and sentiments people express. Postmodern-influenced people will often
say,
"Intuition and feelings might tell us more about reality than does
reason"
"People do what they do because their culture made them what they
are (we are cultural constructs)
"Government is nothing but a bunch of self-serving politicians.
They'll never really serve the people"
"The legal system is set up to cater to the rich and powerful.
You can't get justice if you're a minority or poor."
"No one knows what really happened in history, because people have
burned the accounts they didn't want to pass along"
"You don't look to religion for objective answers. It's just a
matter of personal belief and what works best for you."
- Discuss these views in the group. To what extent does the group identify
with them? Why or why not? Is it possible some statements might have
both a bad and a good component? What would be a biblical view of these
thoughts?
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