Lit Theory - Lyotard - "Defining the Postmodern"

Jean-Francois Lyotard

1.     “Defining the Postmodern”

a.     Three postmodern debates will be discussed.

                                               i.     The first is opposition between postmodernism and modernism.

1.     Modern movement: 1910-1945.

2.     Postmodern architecture can only make small steps forward in its own space rather than the space of humanity.

3.     Horizons of universalization is gone and architects are bound to historic styles. 

4.     Small steps, tinkering, wide expanses or focus to narrow focus.

                                             ii.     The second is the definition of postmodern.

1.     Common belief that enterprises, discoveries, and institutions are legitimate only if they contribute to the emancipation of mankind.

2.     Humanity is no longer concerned with shared ideas.

a.     We are building things and chasing things that do not move mankind forward.

b.     In a sense, we are creating a sickness.

c.     We are moving forward to a more complex condition.

d.     We are losing security, identity and happiness.

3.     Two divisions:

a.     One part confronting the challenge of complexity.

b.     The other is the task of survival.

                                            iii.     The third is the question of the expression of art.

1.     This includes art, literature, philosophy and politics.

2.     A moving away from the cutting edge or new movements.

3.     Lyotard feels there is an expression finding hiding meaning that will be lost.

4.     The absence of which will create neurosis.

5.     Post is meant to return to reflecting or analyzing.

  

Works Cited

Lyotard, Jean-Francois. “Defining the Postmodern.” The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism.  Ed. Vincent B. Leitch et al.  2^nd ed. New York: W.W.Norton & Co., 2010.  1463-1469. Print.