Pragmatism, Technology, and the Persistence of the Postmodern

Andrew Wells Garnar

Is postmodernity over? Does postmodernism still have anything important to say? Pragmatism, Technology, and the Persistence of the Postmodern argues “yes” to both. Despite the claims of a number of scholars that “postmodern” is over and done with, Andrew Wells Garnar demonstrates its continued relevance by carefully examining the use of information and communication technologies. These technologies illustrate many important postmodern concepts, thus showing the continued significance of postmodern philosophy. Garnar reconstructs these concepts with the tools of classical pragmatism. By engaging with pragmatists as well as with the thought of Jean-François Lyotard, Albert Borgmann, and others, this book produces a revitalized vision of both pragmatism and the postmodern. This version of pragmatism reflects the tenor of the times in a more nuanced way, while also showing how the postmodern continues to play out in contemporary life. Pragmatism, Technology, and the Persistence of the Postmodern shows how a pragmatic conception of technology opens up possibilities for working within postmodernity to materially address social and technical problems.

Lexington Books

Pages: 192 • Trim: 6¼ x 9

978-1-4985-9759-3 • Hardback • July 2020 • $95.00 • (£73.00)

978-1-4985-9760-9 • eBook • July 2020 • $45.00 • (£69.00)

Subjects: Philosophy / Movements / Pragmatism, Social Science / Ethnic Studies / American / General, Social Science / Technology Studies

Pragmatism, Technology, and the Persistence of the Postmodern

Hardback

eBook

Summary

Is postmodernity over? Does postmodernism still have anything important to say? Pragmatism, Technology, and the Persistence of the Postmodern argues “yes” to both. Despite the claims of a number of scholars that “postmodern” is over and done with, Andrew Wells Garnar demonstrates its continued relevance by carefully examining the use of information and communication technologies. These technologies illustrate many important postmodern concepts, thus showing the continued significance of postmodern philosophy. Garnar reconstructs these concepts with the tools of classical pragmatism. By engaging with pragmatists as well as with the thought of Jean-François Lyotard, Albert Borgmann, and others, this book produces a revitalized vision of both pragmatism and the postmodern. This version of pragmatism reflects the tenor of the times in a more nuanced way, while also showing how the postmodern continues to play out in contemporary life. Pragmatism, Technology, and the Persistence of the Postmodern shows how a pragmatic conception of technology opens up possibilities for working within postmodernity to materially address social and technical problems.

Details

Lexington Books

Pages: 192 • Trim: 6¼ x 9

978-1-4985-9759-3 • Hardback • July 2020 • $95.00 • (£73.00)

978-1-4985-9760-9 • eBook • July 2020 • $45.00 • (£69.00)

Subjects: Philosophy / Movements / Pragmatism, Social Science / Ethnic Studies / American / General, Social Science / Technology Studies

Author

Andrew Wells Garnar earned his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1: Technology and the Postmodern Condition

Chapter 2: The Continuing Necessity of Jean-François Lyotard

Chapter 3: Taking the Attitude of the Other in Communication Networks

Chapter 4: Proliferating Realities

Chapter 5: How to Reconstruct “Timeless Time”

Chapter 6: Pragmatism and the Garden

Conclusion

Bibliography

Reviews

Garnar presents a strong argument that our understanding of technology during postmodernity will require an ongoing conversation between classical pragmatism and the architects of postmodern thought. Extensively researched, clearly presented, and highly recommended.
— Larry A. Hickman, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Pragmatism, Technology, and the Persistence of the Postmodern

Andrew Wells Garnar

Pragmatism, Technology, and the Persistence of the Postmodern

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