Postmodernism questioned traditional notions of truth and objectivity from "summary" of The Dream of Reason by Anthony Gottlieb
Postmodernism arose as a challenge to the dominant philosophical assumptions of the modern era. One of the key aspects of this movement was its rejection of traditional notions of truth and objectivity. Postmodern thinkers argued that these concepts were not as clear-cut as previously believed. They contended that truth and objectivity were not universal and objective, but rather subjective and contingent on various factors such as culture, language, and power dynamics. Postmodernism questioned the idea that there is a single, objective truth that can be known and understood by all people. Instead, it suggested that truth is relative and constructed by individuals or groups based on their perspectives and experiences. This relativistic view undermined the notion of a fixed and immutable reality, opening up the possibility for multiple truths to coexist simultaneously. Furthermore, postmodernists challenged the belief in objectivity as an attainable goal in the pursuit of knowledge. They argued that objectivity was an illusion, as all knowledge is inherently shaped by the biases and assumptions of the knower. This recognition of the subjectivity of knowledge led to a reevaluation of the authority of traditional sources of knowledge, such as science, history, and philosophy. In the postmodern view, these disciplines were seen as social constructs that reflected the values and interests of those in power. This critical stance towards established forms of knowledge production paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse approach to understanding reality. Postmodernism encouraged a plurality of voices and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of marginalized and oppressed groups in shaping our understanding of the world.- Postmodernism's questioning of traditional notions of truth and objectivity highlighted the complexity and diversity of human experience. By challenging the idea of a singular truth and objective reality, postmodern thinkers opened up new possibilities for thinking about knowledge, power, and identity.
