Throughout history, people’s views on truth, knowledge, and the world have changed. These shifts are often grouped into three big movements: Enlightenment, Modernism, and Postmodernism. Let’s break these ideas down with simple explanations and examples.
1. Enlightenment: The Age of Reason
The Enlightenment (17th–18th centuries) was all about reason, science, and progress. People believed they could solve problems and improve society using logic and evidence. Truth, they thought, was universal—meaning it applied to everyone, everywhere.
Example:
Think of Isaac Newton discovering gravity. Using experiments and math, he showed that gravity is a universal law. This is Enlightenment thinking: using science to uncover truths about the world.
Everyday Analogy:
Imagine solving a math problem. You know there’s one correct answer, and by following the steps logically, you can find it.
2. Modernism: Innovation and Breaking Traditions
Modernism (late 19th–mid 20th century) kept the Enlightenment’s focus on progress but added a twist: it celebrated innovation and rejected old traditions. Modernists believed the world was complex and needed new ways of thinking, especially in art, architecture, and literature.
Example:
Pablo Picasso’s paintings are a perfect example. Instead of creating realistic portraits, he painted abstract works that showed multiple perspectives at once. Modernism asked: Why stick to the old ways if we can invent something new?
Everyday Analogy:
It’s like redesigning your home to be sleek and modern because the old design feels outdated. You’re still building a house, but in a way that suits the present.
3. Postmodernism: Questioning Everything
Postmodernism (mid-20th century–present) challenges the ideas of universal truth and progress. It says that truth is subjective—what’s true for one person might not be true for another. It also questions grand stories (like “science will solve everything”) and celebrates diversity and multiple perspectives.
Example:
Postmodern authors like Jorge Luis Borges play with storytelling. In his stories, time and reality twist and turn, showing that there’s no single way to experience the world.
Everyday Analogy:
Think of a group of people debating their favorite food. There’s no “right” answer—each person has their own taste, and that’s fine.
Key Differences at a Glance
Movement Belief About Truth Example Everyday Analogy
Enlightenment Truth is universal and logical. Newton’s laws of gravity. Solving a math problem with one right answer.
Modernism Truth exists but is complex. Picasso’s abstract art. Redesigning your home with a new style.
Postmodernism Truth is subjective and diverse. Borges’ nonlinear stories. Everyone has a different favorite food.
Why These Ideas Matter Today
Understanding these movements helps us see how people’s ideas about the world have evolved. The Enlightenment taught us to value science and logic. Modernism pushed us to innovate. Postmodernism reminds us to question assumptions and embrace diversity.
Next time you solve a problem, create something new, or debate different perspectives, you’re engaging with these big ideas in your own way!