Comment Re:huh? (Score 0) 117
No the word "post-modern" has a relatively precise and definite meaning. Its precise meaning does depend upon its context. Also, the notion of "post-modernity" like the notion of "modernity" 500 years ago presupposes a view of history. If you are unfamiliar with the developments that have led people to theorize a break in history at the end of modernity my suggestion would be to educate yourself. The seminal "Post-modern Condition" by Lyotard would be a good place to begin.
The word "post-modern" I would suggest is actually an adjective formed from the noun "postmodernity," rather than an adjective formed from the adjective "modern." Modernity denotes a specific historical epoch, in the same way that "antiquity" does. I think you are confusing the root meaning of the word "modern" (which you are correct means contemporary) with the meaning of "modernity" which denotes an historical epoch. The adjective "postmodern" then means having the character of the epoch denoted by "postmodernity."
Undoubtedly now that the word has passed into colloquial english its meaning has been diluted (like the word "deconstructed" which now means "analyzed" for most people without a strong background in the humanities). In the context of the review it seems to me that the word has very specific meaning operating in at least two dimensions: stylistic/aesthetic and cultural/social.
The word "post-modern" I would suggest is actually an adjective formed from the noun "postmodernity," rather than an adjective formed from the adjective "modern." Modernity denotes a specific historical epoch, in the same way that "antiquity" does. I think you are confusing the root meaning of the word "modern" (which you are correct means contemporary) with the meaning of "modernity" which denotes an historical epoch. The adjective "postmodern" then means having the character of the epoch denoted by "postmodernity."
Undoubtedly now that the word has passed into colloquial english its meaning has been diluted (like the word "deconstructed" which now means "analyzed" for most people without a strong background in the humanities). In the context of the review it seems to me that the word has very specific meaning operating in at least two dimensions: stylistic/aesthetic and cultural/social.
