FAQs on Postmodernism

Q. Everyone is self-interested… Is that not universality?

Is everyone self interested? This has long been a debate of modern thought. I personally believe that humans tend to care most about those things they have been taught and grown to love. Generally speaking, the idea of self represents the most intimate relationship many human beings will ever have; therefore, it would seem that we have a natural tendency toward self preservation. However, many come to find that other persons or ideas are of greater importance to them than the preservation of that idea of "self." This has led to perilous exploration, martyrdom, the nobility of war and numerous other real and potential self-depreciating acts. It would seem then that the preservation of self is less universality and more a common choice.

Q. Does postmodernism imply social consciousness?

That is difficult to say. In a sense, postmodernism naturally carries with it an individualistic tone; personal interpretations of events and ideas are of the utmost importance. This would seem to quietly imply the ability to bunker away from the social world with the mentality that no other views matter. However, postmodern thought places the greatest importance on the recognition of multiple realities. Bunkering away from the world creates a personal universality. I personally would suppose that the more one understands the postmodern viewpoint, the easier it will be for them to separate from their inherent ethnocentricities. However, each person is different and while I may assume a degree of social understanding, others may not.

-Mike Ryckman