Postmodernism

Postmodernism refers to a wide range of thinking applied to art, architecture, fiction, literature, philosophy, cultural, and literary criticism among others. It arises from a recognition that reality is not simply reflected in human understanding of it, but instead, is constructed as the mind tries to comprehend its own particular and personal reality. As such, postmodernism conflicts with explanations that claim to be universally valid (i.e., for all cultures, groups, traditions, and ethnicities), and instead focuses on concrete experience over abstract principles.

Modernity has its roots in Latin from the word “just now.” Postmodern then literally means after just now or after modernity. It refers to the appearance or actual dissolution of those social forms associated with modernity. Postmodern is “post” because it denies the existence ...