Jean-François Lyotard, Postmodern Condition [The Postmodern Condition]

Michael Mahin (Claremont Graduate University)
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is an epistemological exploration into the politics of late-capitalism. By insisting on the paradigmatic nature of knowledge based on the fundamental function of the “language game,” Lyotard insists on the inadequacy of a political system which sees performativity as an end in itself, failing to recognize, both intellectually and economically, those “paralogical” pursuits which are necessary to the health of society as a whole.

Lyotard begins with an investigation into the

status

of knowledge. His hypothesis is that the status of knowledge is altered as societies enter the postindustrial age, and as cultures enter what is known as the postmodern age. With this evolution, knowledge ceases to be an end in-itself in the sense of

Bildung

, or the training of minds, and assumes, “the…

1539 words

Citation: Mahin, Michael. "Postmodern Condition". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 10 October 2007 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=20281, accessed 19 March 2024.]

20281 Postmodern Condition 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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