7 Steps to Understanding the Characteristics of Postmodernism in Relation to Absolute Truth

In order to understand the world around us, we must understand the worldviews and patterns of thought that inform the culture around us. Postmodernism informs more of the current culture than ever before, and is a driving force behind the media, politics, culture, and religion. It is important to note however that many will only ascribe to some of these. This article is primarily about the whole of culture, not individuals.

Learning these 7 characteristics of postmodernism that drive our culture can make all the difference in making sense of the world.

Characteristics of Postmodernism: 1) there is no absolute truth
One of the most prevalent characteristics of postmodernism is the idea that there is no and can never be any kind of absolute truth. Truth cannot be known in the context of postmodernist thinking, and those who claim to know truth are either lying or foolish.

Characteristics of Postmodernism: 2) facts and falsehoods are interchangeable
Because one of the characteristics of postmodernism is that there is no absolute truth, a natural outgrowth of this thinking is that facts and falsehoods are interchangeable. What is accepted as truth today could easily be proven wrong tomorrow, and vice versa.

Characteristics of Postmodernism: 3) frustrated with modern thinking
Postmoderns are typically very frustrated with the modern generation's inability to deliver on their promises of peace, advancement, and knowledge. The modern generation's failure to accomplish their goals has caused postmoderns to harbor a great deal of distrust in the ideals of moderns.

Characteristics of Postmodernism: 4) rationalization is the norm
Because of the scientific method's shortcomings in resolving the problems of the world, postmoderns' distrust of what is presented as fact has led them to embrace opinion as the driving force of thought. One of the primary characteristics of postmodernism is therefore that if a person can rationalize their understanding or opinion, it is worthwhile and as true as is possible for the postmodern thinker.

Characteristics of Postmodernism: 5) global community more important than nationalism
Rationalization, frustration, and the thinking that there is no truth beyond personal and corporate opinion has resulted in the postmodern tendency toward the belief that the global good is more important than national interests.

Characteristics of Postmodernism: 6) all religions deserve equal recognition
One of the most controversial characteristics of postmodernism is the idea that all religions are equally valid. If, as postmodern thinking dictates, there is no absolute truth, then no one religion offers a "right" way. If no religion is true, then all religions are equally false, or equally valid, depending on the person's point of view.

Characteristics of Postmodernism: 7) morality is individualistic
If there is no true religion, and if there is no absolute truth, then each person's ideas about morality are also equally false or valid. This characteristic is most clearly seen in the common statement, "it's right for me." Every person's morality belongs to them alone, and morality that is imposed by another, whether by religion, government, or another person, and anything that claims to be absolute truth is to be distrusted.

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