Postmodernism Explained
In Stephen R.C. Hicks book, Explaining Postmodernism (expanded edition, published in 2019), the author outlines the historical development of postmodernism and then explains the movement’s assumptions and arguments as it exists today. The first two chapters prove helpful as he goes back to the beginning of the Enlightenment as his starting point for the development of modern Philosophy. Well known individuals such as Francis Bacon, Isaac Newton, and John Locke are given their due. Their ideas (the criticality of reason, the freedom of the individuality, science and realism) help set the foundation for postmodernism, so it is fitting to start here. To conclude the movement, Hicks summarizes by saying, “Institutionalizing confidence in the power of reason is the most outstanding achievement of the Enlightenment” (p. 24).
The next stage is a reaction against reason and individuality, most clearly seen in continental philosophy—and most notably by the German philosophers Kant, Hegel, and Nietzsche. Says Hicks, “Understanding German philosophy is crucial to understanding the origins of postmodernism” (p. 42). This type of background is critically important if one wants to better understand the foundational assumptions and world-views that is effecting today’s social, political, economic movements. Hicks does a great job of touching on all the high points by making these ideas accessible for the reader—and at the same time not losing the reader in the details. Hicks concludes, “Postmodernism is thus the end result of the Counter-Enlightenment inaugurated by Kantian epistemology” (p. 83).
After his cursory tour of over two hundred years of philosophical history, Hicks is off an running in delineating for the reader how the ideas of postmodernism have taken root in every aspect of society. It becomes easier to see how Marx reached his economic ideas and how his conclusions gave birth to communism and its nephew socialism. One can also see how Fichte reached his conclusions about education: “The new education will eliminate all self-interest and inculcate the pure love of duty for its own sake” (p. 117). It becomes easier to understand how Goebbel reached his conclusions about society and work: “Only socialism could oppose the corruption of liberalism and capitalism” (p. 132). All of these ideas are highly controversial (and anathema to most Americans) but Hicks enables the reader to better understand how each of these thinkers arrived at their conclusions. The reader walks aways with a deeper appreciation of how different assumptions about this world and human nature results in dramatically different opinions on politics, technology, economics, social norms, and religion.
The most concerning aspect of this philosophical history for Hicks is where the world seems to be heading today. He asks poignant questions as to why the modern world seems to be discarding reason, individualism, science, liberal democratic-representative government. Postmodernism philosophy manifests itself with some highly troubling outcomes and by the end of the book, Hicks is sounding the alarm. He does not want postmodernism to discard the beneficial outcomes of science, individual rights, and representative government. These ideas have given the modern world so many achievements worth celebrating.
There are many books we have read for this program that echo the themes in this book. Dr. Abigail Favale’s The Genesis of Gender comes to mind. Just like Hicks, she does a cursory but accurate job of explaining the historical arc of both the Feminist Movement and the Gender Debate. After laying this groundwork, she then proceeds to elucidate the assumptions and arguments of the debates as it stands today. Hicks does the same thing with Postmodernism: chapters one and two lay the foundation for the reader so we can see the philosophical conclusions of what came before. Both books provide a historical perspective that proves to be extremely helpful to the reader.
Explaining Postmodernism also has a resemblance to McWhorter’s Woke Racism. McWhorter deals with the subject of racism in “woke” America, but the woke movement is merely the fruit that springs forth from Postmodernism. One follows the other and even though Hicks wrote the first edition of his book in 2004 before “being woke” was as widespread as it is today, I am sure Hicks is not surprised by the development of woke ideology.
In Trueman’s book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, there are likewise similar patterns. Trueman also surveys the past and presents the modern arguments that are relevant today. Both authors spend some time on the Enlightenment philosophers (Francis Bacon, John Locke), to explain how the importance of the individual manifests itself in all aspects of society. Trueman concentrates on the sexual revolution and writes from a Christian point of view. Hicks takes on the broader challenge of philosophical history since the Enlightenment and does not write from a Christian perspective. Despite these differences, the two books complement each other.
Pluckrose and Lindsay’s, Cynical Theories perhaps shares the most similarities with Explaining Postmodernism. Both books confront Postmodernism head-on and both were written for the educated layperson desiring to understand more about the movement. Both books are critical of Postmodernism but the authors strive to be fair in their evaluation. Cynical Theories is a more recent publication and “being woke” was not yet a thing when Hicks wrote his publication. It would be interesting to read what Hicks would say about the movement. No doubt the authors would agree on much of the movement’s assumptions and goals.
Thanks, Jason, for another informative read that helps us create ‘maps of understanding’ for our minds.
About the Author
Troy Rappold
B.A. Communication - University of Colorado M.Div. Theology - Cincinnati Christian University Currently enrolled in D. Min. program at George Fox University2 responses to “Postmodernism Explained”
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Thank you Troy. It sounds like you got a lot out of the book which is awesome. I had a very difficult time connecting with it. It might be that the philosophical realm’s not really my jam! But I appreciated reading your thoughts and highlights. That was helpful to me. Thanks.
Troy, what a great summary of this book and clear connections to other readings. It seems as though Hicks was arguing against the mindset that wants to “burn everything down.” I’ve met some folks like that, but I also find folks who take a less extreme position. If you burn everything down, what’s left? Nothing but scored earth, so there must be a better way. No matter the challenge of the time to the church, books like this, and the other ones you referenced, help followers of Jesus to engage in deeper ways than surface-level arguments that seem to get nowhere helpful. Great job!