Postmodernity is a current and complex concept that applies in several areas: in art, philosophy, sociology and psychology . In each of them the idea of postmodernity has its own sense and meaning. However, it is possible to make a general synthesis of this very broad and ambiguous concept.
First, the postmodern contrasts with the modern. Modern is understood to be the historical period that began with the Enlightenment and developed until the mid-20th century approximately. Modernity is characterized by the belief in science, in addition to reason and progress as guides to humanity. These principles ceased to be intellectual, social and artistic references, as soon as reality showed a disappointing result: the values of modernity. The ideal of modernity had failed and thus a new era began: postmodernity.
In short, the characteristics of this stage of humanity are as follows: there is a social disenchantment with religion, politics and science. The idea of truth and progress came to be questioned. The communication and consumption are essential to understand our civilization. Traditional ideas are no longer valid references and tend to demystify a whole. What matters is the immediate, the here and the present now. There is great interest in the alternative in any of the manifestations. The individual replaces collective projects, where the cult of the body and self-help books are appreciated. Postmodernity
Postmodernity is basically a critique of modernity, its values and principles. As an alternative proposal, it presents new proposals: subjectivity, multiculturalism and plurality. Faced with these ideas, there are thinkers who criticize postmodern thought , considering it a disappointing reference, without a defined project, incapable of facing the challenges of humanity, of guiding thought and artistic creation. Postmodernity
As an ideological current and a trend of civilization, postmodernity highlights some achievements: the role of the middle class and its development, the increase in freedom in the West and some positive aspects of globalization. On the contrary, it presents negative and criticizable traits such as trivialization , consumerism, loss of identity, globalization itself, the absence of valid positive references and, ultimately, the feeling that the world is fragmented and there are no stimulating projects to guide individuals and humanity as a whole. Faced with this chaotic situation, it is logical that some varied religious, social and political proposals appear, at times unreliable. Postmodernity
