Postmodernism in Aesthetic Realms: Conservative Response or Progression from Modernism?

Is post-modernism in aesthetic realms more a conservative response to modernism or a progression from it? This question invites us to delve into the complex interplay of philosophy and art during two pivotal cultural revolutions.

Defining Postmodernism

My simplified definition of postmodernism is 'incredulity toward metanarratives.' Jean-Fran?ois Lyotard, a leading voice in postmodern thought, highlights this concept. A metanarrative is a comprehensive and coherent story or explanation of the world. Postmodernism inherently suggests a skepticism towards such grand narratives. This is a significant departure from earlier eras of thought, which often sought and relied on such grand narratives for meaning and structure.

The Copernican Revolution and Its Cultural Impact

The Copernican revolution, which theorized that the Earth is not the center of the universe, marks a pivotal moment in human understanding. This idea was further refined by Kepler, Galileo, and culminated in Newton's comprehensive explanations of movement and gravitational forces. The realization that everything is in constant relative motion transformed our perception of the universe and our place in it. Copernicus' insight implies that nothing is absolute in the manner once believed, and that our observations and perceptions shape our reality.

The cultural impact of this revelation was profound. It suggested that human beings would create any story to make sense of uncertainty. This led to a questioning of the Western canon, a body of thought that had been revered from the time of Plato. René Descartes, Immanuel Kant, and others challenged the foundations of traditional Western philosophy, leading to a reevaluation of concepts such as objectivity and truth.

Two Schools of Thought: 'T' and 'F'

The two major philosophical paradigms that emerged from these inquiries can be categorized as the 'thinking' or 'T' school and the 'feeling' or 'F' school, using terminology from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The 'T' school embraced the new tools and perspectives provided by the Copernican revolution, leading to advancements in applied sciences and economics. Thinkers like Kant, Friedrich Hayek, and Albert Einstein contributed significantly to this school, which mined the ambiguity of the revolution for new discoveries.

The 'F' school, by contrast, rejected the Western dogma of the time. This school sought to break away from traditional beliefs and build anew, often leading to developments in psychology, social sciences, and new artistic explorations. This school, famously initiated by Nietzsche, emphasized a rejection of old-school ways of thinking and a turn towards individual and subjective experiences.

The Aesthetic Dimension of Postmodernism

The aesthetic side of postmodernism reflects the tensions within the 'F' school. It is here that we see the most radical departures from traditional art and aesthetics. Postmodern art and aesthetics reject grand narratives and dogma, often favoring complexity, ambiguity, and subjectivity. The slogan "Make it new!" by Ezra Pound encapsulates this attitude towards constant innovation and breaking free from the past.

The influence of postmodern art extends beyond aesthetics. It has been integral to various political movements, including fascism, communism, and various avant-garde artistic movements. These movements often reflected the political and social turmoil of the 20th century and the broader cultural shifts of the time. The rejection of traditional art forms and values has been seen in various artistic movements such as futurism, Dada, street theater, and various forms of performance and conceptual art.

Conclusion

The debate over whether postmodernism is a conservative response to modernism or a progression from it is complex and multifaceted. While postmodernism does challenge and reject the dogmas of modernism, it also builds upon and transforms the insights of the Copernican revolution. The 'F' school, in particular, has embraced the ambiguity and relativism that the revolution introduced, leading to a rich and dynamic exploration of aesthetics and art.

Postmodernism, with its focus on complexity and subjectivity, has been as much a product of the Enlightenment as a rejection of it. Understanding this relationship is crucial for appreciating the full spectrum of postmodern thought and its impact on contemporary culture.