Define Post-Modernism.

Postmodernism is a complex and multifaceted intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. It rejects the modernist principles of objective reality, universal truth, and grand narratives, challenging the idea of a singular, stable reality. Instead, postmodernism emphasizes subjectivity, the fragmentation of knowledge, and the multiplicity of perspectives.

In the realm of art, literature, philosophy, and architecture, postmodernism often involves a play with conventions, intertextuality, and self-reflexivity. It questions established hierarchies, challenges binary oppositions, and embraces hybridity and diversity. The movement is characterized by a skepticism towards metanarratives, highlighting the contingent and context-dependent nature of knowledge.

Postmodernism is not a unified or coherent ideology but rather a diverse set of approaches and reactions to modernity. It has influenced various disciplines, including literature, philosophy, art, architecture, and cultural studies. Key figures associated with postmodern thought include Jean-François Lyotard, Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, and Jean Baudrillard. The movement has left a lasting impact on academic discourse and cultural production, fostering a critical engagement with the assumptions of modernity and encouraging a more pluralistic and decentralized understanding of reality and meaning.