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-Francois 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.
Andrew Wells Garnar earned his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.
Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: Technology and the Postmodern Condition Chapter 2: The Continuing Necessity of Jean-Francois 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
[T]he book is excellent for an academic setting. Though sticking largely to canon, Garner explains many complex ideas surrounding postmodernism in simple, clear ways, making the book an excellent starting point for much exploration of the topic. It is also a solid resource on how to write clearly, how to use the literature to support or counterpoint claims, and how to (and how not to) formulate arguments. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates; graduate students. * Choice * 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
