Modern/Postmodern Society, Philosophy, Literature [Paperback]

Modern/Postmodern: Society, Philosophy, Literature offers new definitions of modernism and postmodernism by presenting an original theoretical system of thought that explains the differences between these two key movements. Taking a contrastive approach, Peter V. Zima identifies three key concepts in the relationship between modernism and postmodernism - ambiguity, ambivalence and indifference.

Zima defines modernism and postmodernism as problematics, as opposed to aesthetics, stylistics or ideologies. Unlike modernism, which is grounded in an increasing ambivalence towards social norms and values, postmodernity is presented as an era of indifference, i.e. of interchangeable norms, values and perspectives.

Taking an historical, interdisciplinary and intercultural approach that engages with Anglo-American and European debates, the book describes the transition from late modernist ambivalence to postmodern indifference in the contexts of philosophy, literature and sociology. This is the ideal guide to the relationship between modernism and postmodernism for students and scholars throughout the humanities.

Preface \ I. Defining Modernity and Postmodernity \ 1. Problems of Construction: Modernity and Postmodernity as Periods, Ideologies, Styles and Problematics \ 2. Key Concepts: Modernity, Modernism, Postmodernity, Post-histoire and Post-industrial Society \ 3. Modernity, Modernism and Postmodernity as Problematics \ II. Modernity and Postmodernity in a Sociological Perspective \ 1. Critiques of Modernity: Universalism, Particularization and Social Movements \ 2. Feminist and Ecofeminist Critiques \ 3. A Conservative Postmodernity? \ 4. Marxist Critiques: For and against 'Postmodernity' \ 5. Pluralism, Indifference and Ideology \ 6.. The Case of Baudrillard: Indifference without Ideology \ III. Postmodern Philosophies as Critiques of Modernity \ 1. Nietzsche' Heirs \ 2. Postmodern Social Philosophies and the End of Meta-Narratives: FrlsN