Is Postmodernism True? An Exploration of Metamodernism and Its Potential

In the realm of contemporary philosophy and cultural theory, the term 'postmodernism' has cast a long shadow over thought paradigms for the past few decades. However, questions about the veracity and relevancy of postmodernism continue to arise, leading some to explore the concept of metamodernism.

Defining Postmodernism and Metamodernism

Postmodernism, as a movement, is often characterized by the rejection of grand narratives and the celebration of diversity and fragmentation. This is reflected in the works of thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and later, Jean-Fran?ois Lyotard, who famously defined a meta-narrative as any scientific, political, or moral story that claims the quality of universal truth.

Metamodernism, while still a relatively new concept, can be seen as a response to postmodernism. It is often described as a swinging response to the extremes of postmodern thought, blending elements of both modernism and postmodernism. The term 'New Materialism' and Cognitive Science present alternative approaches to understanding cultural artifacts and human cognition, focusing on the interplay between our brains and the cultural artifacts we create.

Challenges and Criticisms

The popularity of postmodernism has been challenged by contemporary movements like New Materialism, which emphasize the material conditions that shape our thoughts and behaviors. For instance, why does the United States have almost no bidets, despite the many benefits they provide? Why do some innovative ideas fail to spread, while others take hold later? Cognitive Science offers a framework to understand how our cultural diet affects the way we think, contributing to an understanding of the mechanisms that spread (or prevent the spread of) ideas.

It's important to note that the validity of postmodernism is not the primary concern. Rather, it thrives in critical discourse, questioning the inevitability of grand narratives and the arbitrary nature of universal truths. The historical condition of the present, often called 'PM,' remains true to the idea that all metanarratives are disingenuous. However, this does not negate the utility of challenging and questioning these narratives.

The Significance of Metamodernism

While metamodernism is gaining traction, it is not without its critics. Some are dismissive, arguing that it is merely a fashionable new movement without significant philosophical merit. However, the idea of metamodernism attempts to reconcile the shortcomings of postmodernism by revisiting and integrating the strengths of modernist thought, particularly the relevance of meaning in philosophical inquiry.

Postmodernism's immanence — a central concept attributed to theorists like Gilles Deleuze and Michel Foucault — is characterized by the flat, global, and interconnected world of rhizomatic thinking. In contrast, metamodernism seeks to reintroduce the concept of transcendence, acknowledging that some narratives and ideas transcend their immediate contexts, offering solutions to global challenges.

The Future of Philosophical Thought

Employing a Hegelian synthesis, metamodernism aims to overcome the barriers of postmodernism by drawing on the lessons from modernism. By integrating the relevance of meaning with the insights of immanence, metamodernism could potentially offer a radical new framework for understanding the world. However, the success of metamodernism remains to be seen.

Concepts like object-oriented ontology and process philosophy, as explored by thinkers like Whitehead and Peirce, also hold promise for philosophical innovation. These ideas, rooted in substance metaphysics and a dynamic understanding of reality, may offer a refreshed perspective on the nature of existence and knowledge.

In conclusion, while postmodernism may not be true in the traditional sense, its influence on thought is undeniable. Metamodernism, as a movement, seeks to address the limitations of postmodernism while retaining the critical spirit that defines the postmodern era. The future of philosophical thought may lie in the reconciliation of modernism, postmodernism, and these new innovations.