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Rating: 
Summary: Hypermodern
Review: This book is an analysis of postmodernism (or neo-pragmatism, post-Nietzschean philosophy or maybe just relativism) for those looking for a deeper understanding of the subject. Actually, since postmodernism doesn't have any clear sense, it is probably better to view this book as an introduction to Rorty, Derrida, Fish and Foucault (some might object that no clear sense can be found here either, but anyway). The book first details some of the main aspects of the premodern view, the view that the 'postmodernists' are spending their efforts to refute, or at lest blur many of the distinctions made by Plato and his type (appearance-reality made -found etc.). Following the history of western thought to the modern period (the next chapter of the book) the major thoughts of Descartes, Kant and Newton are discussed. The historical periods prior to the 'postmodern' take up about the first 100 pages and give anyone unfamiliar a good understanding of what is about to fall apart or be fuzzed up by the four horsemen that come on the scene next. Actually, the philosophical views held by Rorty and company where expounded prior to their coming - the chapter dealing with these men (the predecessors) is called 'twentieth-century transitions to postmodernism'. The cast of characters includes Heidegger, Wittgenstein, Gadamer and Kuhn. The book is as complete as one would hope and deals with other philosophers I failed to mention here -- but the main focus of the book is on the four most recent exponents of 'postmodernism' . Allot of the book, the first half or more, is solely descriptive with a critique coming in the latter sections. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good intro. into the thoughts of Rorty Derrida, Fish and Foulcaut (postmodernism)-- although the book ends up being critical of much of what these men said it is a fair treatment.
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