Modernism vs. Postmodernism: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 4, 2024
Modernism focuses on rationality and absolute truths, while Postmodernism embraces relativism and questions the concept of a singular truth.
Key Differences
Modernism, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocates for progress and rationality, often emphasizing absolute truths. Postmodernism, developing in the mid-20th century, counters this by challenging absolute truths and highlighting the subjectivity of experience.
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In literature, Modernism breaks from traditional forms to explore new styles, focusing on themes like alienation. Postmodernism, however, often employs irony and pastiche, questioning the very nature of narrative and authorship.
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Modernism in art strives for originality and often features abstraction, seeking to represent new perspectives. Postmodern art, conversely, embraces the mixing of genres and mediums, often incorporating elements of popular culture.
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Architecturally, Modernism favors function over form with a minimalist approach. Postmodern architecture, in contrast, often combines different styles and historical references in a playful manner.
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Philosophically, Modernism is rooted in Enlightenment thinking, advocating for progress and science. Postmodernism, conversely, is skeptical of grand narratives and absolute truths, emphasizing the diversity of human experience.
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Comparison Chart
View on Truth
Believes in absolute truths.
Questions absolute truths; embraces relativism.
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Artistic Expression
Emphasizes originality and abstraction.
Mixes genres; uses irony and pastiche.
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Architectural Features
Minimalist, functional design.
Eclectic, playful style with historical nods.
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Philosophical Underpinnings
Rooted in Enlightenment ideals.
Skeptical of grand narratives.
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Modernism and Postmodernism Definitions
Modernism
A style breaking from classical forms.
Picasso's work exemplifies Modernism in art.
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Postmodernism
Questions established narratives.
Postmodernism in media often subverts classic tropes.
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Modernism
Focuses on new narrative techniques.
James Joyce’s Ulysses is a masterpiece of literary Modernism.
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Postmodernism
Combines historical styles playfully.
Postmodern buildings often feature eclectic designs.
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Modernism
Advocates rationality and progress.
Modernism in philosophy often challenges traditional beliefs.
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Postmodernism
Skeptical of universal truths.
Postmodernism in philosophy encourages diverse perspectives.
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Modernism
Reflects industrial and societal changes.
The rise of Modernism paralleled rapid technological advancements.
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Postmodernism
Uses irony and non-linear narratives.
The novel Infinite Jest is an example of Postmodern literature.
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Postmodernism
Mixes styles and mediums.
Andy Warhol's art represents the Postmodern blend of high and low culture.
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Modernism
Sympathy with or conformity to modern ideas, practices, or standards.
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Postmodernism
Of or relating to art, architecture, or literature that reacts against earlier modernist principles, as by reintroducing traditional or classical elements of style or by carrying modernist styles or practices to extremes
"It [a roadhouse]is so architecturally interesting ... with its postmodern wooden booths and sculptural clock" (Ruth Reichl).
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Modernism
A peculiarity of usage or style, as of a word or phrase, that is characteristic of modern times.
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Postmodernism
Of or relating to an intellectual stance often marked by eclecticism and irony and tending to reject the universal validity of such principles as hierarchy, binary opposition, categorization, and stable identity.
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Modernism
Often Modernism The deliberate departure from tradition and the use of innovative forms of expression that distinguish many styles in the arts and literature of the 1900s.
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Postmodernism
Any style in art, architecture, literature, philosophy, etc., that reacts against an earlier modernist movement.
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Modernism
Often Modernism A Roman Catholic movement, officially condemned in 1907, that attempted to examine traditional belief according to contemporary philosophy, criticism, and historiography.
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Postmodernism
An attitude of skepticism or irony toward modernist ideologies, often questioning the assumptions of Enlightenment rationality and rejecting the idea of objective truth.
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Modernism
(uncountable) Modern or contemporary ideas, thought, practices, etc.
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Postmodernism
Genre of art and literature and especially architecture in reaction against principles and practices of established modernism
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Modernism
Any of several styles of art, architecture, literature, philosophy, etc., that flourished in the 20th century.
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Modernism
A religious movement in the early 20th century, condemned as heretical by Pope Pius X, which tried to reconcile Roman Catholic dogma with modern science and philosophy.
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Modernism
Modern practice; a thing of recent date; esp., a modern usage or mode of expression.
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Modernism
Certain methods and tendencies which, in Biblical questions, apologetics, and the theory of dogma, in the endeavor to reconcile the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church with the conclusions of modern science, replace the authority of the church by purely subjective criteria; - so called officially by Pope Pius X.
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Modernism
Genre of art and literature that makes a self-conscious break with previous genres
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Modernism
The quality of being current or of the present;
A shopping mall would instill a spirit of modernity into this village
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Modernism
Emphasizes minimalism and function.
The Bauhaus school is known for its Modernist architectural principles.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does Postmodernism view history?
Postmodernism sees history as subjective and open to various interpretations.
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Is Modernism still relevant today?
Modernism's influence persists, particularly in its emphasis on progress and rationality.
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How does Postmodernism approach truth?
Postmodernism is skeptical of absolute truths, viewing them as relative and subjective.
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How do Modernism and Postmodernism differ in their view of science?
Modernism typically upholds the value of scientific progress, whereas Postmodernism questions the objectivity of scientific knowledge.
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Can a work be both Modernist and Postmodernist?
While they are distinct movements, some works may blend elements of both.
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What is the main difference between Modernism and Postmodernism in art?
Modernist art focuses on originality and abstraction, while Postmodern art mixes genres and challenges traditional concepts.
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What influences Modernist philosophy?
It's influenced by Enlightenment thinking and a belief in rationality and progress.
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Is Modernism optimistic about the future?
Generally, Modernism is more optimistic, believing in progress and human potential.
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What defines Modernism in literature?
Modernist literature often features experimental forms and explores themes like alienation.
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Can Modernism be seen in today’s architecture?
Yes, its principles of functionality and minimalism are still influential in contemporary architecture.
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How does Postmodernism view individual experience?
It values individual experience as subjective and diverse, challenging the notion of a single, universal experience.
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Can Modernism be seen in popular culture?
Yes, especially in its emphasis on innovation and breaking with tradition.
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Does Postmodernism have a specific style?
Postmodernism is characterized by its eclectic, often ironic approach, blending multiple styles.
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What role does irony play in Postmodernism?
Irony is a key tool in Postmodernism, used to question and subvert traditional narratives and forms.
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Can an artist be both Modernist and Postmodernist?
Artists can exhibit characteristics of both, especially over different periods of their work.
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How do Modernism and Postmodernism differ in their approach to technology?
Modernism generally embraces technology as a means of progress, while Postmodernism is more likely to critique its impact on society.
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Is Postmodernism a continuation of Modernism?
It's more of a reaction to and an evolution of Modernist ideas, questioning and expanding upon them.
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Are Modernism and Postmodernism limited to art and literature?
No, they encompass broader cultural, philosophical, and societal trends.
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Does Postmodernism reject all aspects of Modernism?
Postmodernism doesn't outright reject Modernism but rather builds upon and critiques its foundations.
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How do Modernism and Postmodernism approach morality?
Modernism often presents a more absolute view of morality, while Postmodernism sees moral values as relative and culturally specific.
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Jan 04, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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