3.82
"The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge" by Jean-François Lyotard is a seminal work that explores the changing nature of knowledge and culture in the late 20th century. First published in French in 1979, and translated into English in 1984, the book is a dense and thought-provoking analysis of the impact of new technologies and systems of information on traditional forms of knowledge and authority. Lyotard's central argument is that we have entered a new phase in the history of knowledge, which he calls the "postmodern condition." This condition is characterized by the collapse of grand narratives, or overarching stories that give meaning to human experience and history. In the place of these narratives, Lyotard sees a proliferation of small, localized language games, each with its own rules and criteria for truth. The book is divided into several sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the postmodern condition. Lyotard examines the role of knowledge in society, the impact of new technologies on the production and dissemination of knowledge, and the changing nature of power and authority in the postmodern world. He also offers a critique of contemporary theories of knowledge, including those of Jurgen Habermas and Michel Foucault. One of the most influential ideas in the book is Lyotard's concept of "performativity." Performativity refers to the way in which knowledge is evaluated and legitimated based on its ability to perform a specific function or task. Lyotard argues that in the postmodern condition, knowledge is increasingly valued for its performativity, rather than for its truth or accuracy. "The Postmodern Condition" is a challenging and rewarding read, full of rich insights and provocative ideas. While some of Lyotard's arguments may be difficult to grasp on first reading, the book is an essential guide to understanding the cultural and intellectual shifts of the late 20th century. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of ideas, the philosophy of knowledge, or the cultural implications of new technologies...
Gilles Deleuze
Difference and Repetition
In this book, Deleuze offers a radical rethinking of the concepts of difference and repetition, arguing that they are the key to understanding the nature of reality and experience. He suggests that difference is not a lack of identity, but rather the primary condition of existence, and that repetition is not the mere reproduction of the same, but rather the creation of the new. This book is a good choice for readers of 'The Postmodern Condition' because it offers a philosophical perspective on the relationship between knowledge, difference, and repetition in postmodern society.
Learn MoreGilles Deleuze
A Thousand Plateaus
In this book, Deleuze and Guattari offer a radical rethinking of the concepts of identity, power, and social organization. They argue that contemporary society is characterized by the proliferation of rhizomes, or non-hierarchical networks, which challenge traditional notions of identity, power, and social organization. This book is a good choice for readers of 'The Postmodern Condition' because it offers a critical perspective on the relationship between knowledge, power, and social organization in postmodern society.
Learn MoreMichel Foucault
The Archaeology of Knowledge
In this book, Foucault offers a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between knowledge, power, and discourse in Western culture. He argues that knowledge is not a neutral reflection of reality, but rather a product of power relations, and that it is used to legitimize and maintain those relations. This book is a good choice for readers of 'The Postmodern Condition' because it offers a critical perspective on the relationship between knowledge, power, and discourse in postmodern society.
Learn More