Jean-François Lyotard Flashcards
(32 cards)
Who is Jean-François Lyotard?
A French philosopher best known for his work on postmodernism, particularly in ‘The Postmodern Condition’ (1979).
What is Lyotard’s main idea in ‘The Postmodern Condition’?
That in the modern world, people no longer trust big, universal stories (metanarratives) to explain everything.
What are metanarratives?
Big, overarching stories like progress through science or Marxist revolution that claim to explain everything in a universal way.
What does Lyotard mean by ‘incredulity toward metanarratives’?
A growing disbelief or skepticism about big universal explanations of knowledge, history, or truth.
What is a petit récit?
A ‘little narrative’ — a small, local story that doesn’t claim to explain everything but is meaningful in its own context.
How does modernity treat knowledge?
Modernity tries to justify knowledge using reason, science, or historical progress.
How does postmodernism view knowledge differently?
Postmodernism accepts many types of knowledge and doesn’t demand they all fit into one big explanation.
What is narrative knowledge?
Knowledge passed through stories and traditions, accepted as valid without needing scientific proof.
What kind of knowledge dominated in modernity?
Scientific knowledge that had to be proven and justified through reason.
What is the postmodern shift in knowledge?
From scientific methods to accepting different forms of knowing, like cultural and personal stories.
What does Lyotard say about dualisms in modernity?
Modernity often relies on opposites like reason/emotion or science/art, but postmodernism questions these.
What is meant by ‘representing the unrepresentable’?
Trying to show things that are hard or impossible to fully explain or capture, like deep emotions or contradictions.
How does postmodern art reflect Lyotard’s ideas?
It shows contradictions and things that can’t be fully explained instead of trying to smooth them over.
Why does Lyotard reject metanarratives?
He believes they simplify reality too much and often serve power by excluding other voices.
How can Lyotard’s ideas apply to international relations?
They help explain why global institutions or ideologies face resistance from local or cultural movements.
What does Lyotard’s work say about human rights?
Some may see universal human rights as a Western metanarrative, not accepted by all cultures.
What are examples of metanarratives?
Science leads to truth, history progresses toward freedom, or capitalism brings happiness.
What is a real-world example of a petit récit?
An indigenous tribe’s traditional knowledge that guides their way of life without needing outside validation.
How do petit récits challenge global politics?
They resist being absorbed into global narratives and demand recognition on their own terms.
Why is postmodernism seen as pluralistic?
Because it accepts many perspectives instead of insisting on one truth.
How does Lyotard’s philosophy critique progress?
He questions whether history really improves over time or if that’s just a comforting story.
How does Lyotard connect knowledge and power?
He shows that big stories often support those in power and silence other ways of knowing.
Why is ‘The Postmodern Condition’ important?
It explains how knowledge is changing in the digital, global age and challenges traditional authority.
How does Lyotard influence cultural theory?
He opens the door to thinking about identity, knowledge, and power in more diverse ways.
