Postmodernism shifts the focus solely to the power of ideas, discarding the material base as a foundational element, unlike orthodox Marxism and critical theory.
Foundational Principles
Power of Ideas: Postmodernism prioritizes ideas over material conditions.
Post-Positivist Methodology:
Postmodernism is post-positivist.
Positivism:
Realists and liberals are considered positivists.
Positivists believe in an objective world where facts and data can be discerned through observation.
This data can be analyzed to understand the world and inform policy.
Post-Positivism:
Post-positivists argue that there is no objective reality and that what we consider a fact is determined by our biases and preconceived notions.
The process of deciding what is a fact is shaped by our ideas and preconceived notions.
Aristotle, Galileo, and the Sunrise
Analogy to illustrate post-positivism: Aristotle and Galileo observing a sunrise.
A positivist would consider the sunrise an objective fact.
A post-positivist would argue that Aristotle and Galileo do not see the same thing because their preconditioned understandings differ.
Aristotle sees the sun circling the Earth (geocentric universe).
Galileo sees the Earth spinning on its axis as it circles the sun (heliocentric universe).
Real-World Examples
Differing understandings of world events illustrate how preconceived notions shape our perception of facts.
Examples: Russia and Ukraine conflict, the Middle East conflict.
Personal experiences and biases influence how we interpret events.
Watching sports with friends: Disagreements over penalties, in/out of bounds, etc.
Immigration debates: Differing views on "illegal immigrants" based on personal experiences and values.
The Trump administration is presented as an example of a "post-truth" era, where alternative facts were promoted.
Michel Foucault's potential reaction to the Trump administration is questioned: would he feel vindicated or be dismayed?
Implications for International Relations
Post-positivists urge us to examine the underlying assumptions and ideas that shape our understanding of facts.
We should question whether these assumptions are valid and consider alternative perspectives.
Postmodernists encourage us to critically analyze the underlying assumptions of mainstream theories.
Postmodern Critique of Realism
Ethnocentrism:
Postmodernists argue that realism is ethnocentric.
Realism focuses on the state as the most important actor, reflecting a Western-centric view.
The concept of the modern nation-state originated in the West and spread globally.
Postmodernists question why the world is divided into states, arguing it creates artificial divisions (us vs. them).
Chronocentrism:
Realists often refer to Thucydides to emphasize the timelessness of their insights.
Implicitly, they assert that their long-standing truth is superior to newer theories.
Postmodernists reject this claim, arguing that realism is just another ideology without special privilege.
The age of a theory does not necessarily make it truer or better.