Toward the Postmodern

by Jean-François Lyotard, Robert Harvey

Brings together previously unpublished essays by one of the most important philosophers of the last three decades of the 20th century. This authorized compilation of 13 essays reflect the main stages of Lyotard's thought- the libidinal, the pagan, and the intractable-leading toward his account of the postmodern in contemporary thought and culture.

Genres: Philosophy, Theory, Nonfiction

274 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1993

About the author

Jean-François Lyotard (DrE, Literature, University of Paris X, 1971) was a French philosopher and literary theorist. He is well-known for his articulation of postmodernism after the late 1970s and for his analysis of the impact of postmodernity on the human condition.

He went to primary school at the Paris Lycées Buffon and Louis-le-Grand and later began studying philosophy at the Sorbonne. After graduation, in 1950, he took a position teaching philosophy in Constantine in French East Algeria. He married twice: in 1948 to Andrée May, with whom he had two daughters, and for a second time in 1993 to the mother of his son, who was born in 1986.

Reviews

[Grant Carter]

Primary source for research paper. This guy really doesn't like God

[Luís Branco · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very interesting book, particularly to those involved with philosophy. I would highlight the discussion on the "I, You, He/She, Us".

[Frederick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I sometimes finish two books at a time but rarely three. Last night I also finished this book. I am very glad I did finish it. It is sheer nonsense and pseudo-intellectual drivel. I would like to think that the translator is to blame but somehow I doubt it. There are aspects of postmodern philosophy that make great sense but you won't get that from this author. This is supposed to be a classic but I found it to be a classic of BS. Don't bother.

[Alex Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this collection of essays you get to experience the intellectual prowess of one Jean-Francois Lyotard. I've only read one of his other works; but here you get to see him as he varies his approaches from the literal, transfigural to the metaphorical. Although, all relations are possible, as he shows us. He is able to connect disparate parts together and get a larger shape of how we compile sense making. No wonder he was the one to mark our epoch as the post-modern, he kind of sits outside common sense already, and thus can reflect on what we are up to.

I'm not sure why the sections are partitioned in the way they are, perhaps this is not a good introductory text of his works. In a way, reading him was like riding a bucking bronco, I wasn't sure what he was going to say or connect with next. I would urge patience in reading this book, it's not one to skim lightly through.