Maarten Boudry and Steije Hofhuis wrote a clear article about left-wing fact-free science in NRC Next of 31 October. Postmodernism has gone too far and is now biting itself in the tail. Philosopher Ken Wilber recently argued the same in the essay Trump and the post truth world. Wilber also places this observation in an evolutionary framework. Postmodernism should have taken the lead towards a more inclusive society, but this development is stagnating. Causing?
Postmodernism emerged in the sixties/seventies as a new way of thinking in and about society. The second wave of feminism, the peace movements and anti-war demonstrations; opposition to fascism, racism, sexism; new forms of education; a great belief in the malleability of society; solidarity with the world (eg the South Africa movement), international justice, Human Rights. In addition, attention was also turned inwards in support groups, therapy, counseling and spirituality. This Postmodern perspective developed in response to the negative sides of Modern thinking (ratio, science, capitalism, consumerism, pursuit of individual success) and the new living conditions it created. Postmodernism emphasizes the importance of feelings, equality/equality and consideration for the environment. It assumes that every voice is important, that there is no absolute truth because everything has to be understood in its context (cultural relativism) and that there should be no hierarchy.
This Postmodern value system has brought much good, but has now gone too far, says Wilber. Science has become relative: there is no longer any truth. Everyone has his or her own truth. Every voice is considered important regardless of the way in which it is expressed. Every opinion must be taken into account regardless of its basis. Experiences count as the truth, even though experiences are by definition subjective.
The most sophisticated value system in a society is intended to lead the way in finding solutions to society's most pressing problems and shaping the next step in the evolution and development of the world. The tragedy of the present time is that it excessive postmodern thinking that can no longer fulfill a leading role. She is very much in the way of herself. After all: nothing may be better than something else (all hierarchy is bad); there is no truth (only relative truth); every opinion and direction must be heard (we cannot determine where it goes); subjective experiences are more valuable than objective information (I 'feel' it is so and therefore it is so). At the same time, postmodern thinking is convinced of its own right. People see that and they call it 'elitist'. That is the enormous paradox with which Postmodern has run aground.
Evolutionary development falters and takes detours because there is no appealing leadership and no choice is made for a clear direction intended to cope with oncoming disasters. This evokes the desire in people for strong leaders and simplistic slogans. The power of discernment in society seems to have weakened. Postmodern has not succeeded sufficiently in giving an appealing, convinced vision and direction, and above all to go for it. And then it's about what BETER is then something else. A very good example of this is Obama's Tweet after the clashes in Charlotteville: “No one is born hating another person because of their skin color, background or religion. People learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can learn to love. For love is more natural to the human heart than its opposite.”
What can we do to get out of this stagnation? The next step is to investigate, see what the different perspectives are and assess which direction is the best. Despite the attitude of politicians such as Trump, Wilders or the previous Rutte 2 cabinet, it is clear, for example, that climate change really poses major problems, already and even more in a few decades. In-depth research, scientific and social exchange has led to a 97% consensus on this. This position, based on facts and a high degree of consensus, is therefore MORE TRUE AND MORE VALUE than other opinions on climate change.
It is beyond putting everyone right, beyond victimhood and powerlessness, beyond relative truth. It is about finding the truth (NRC checks) and exposing things that are demonstrably incorrect: 'this is a truth that can be generally acknowledged'. And vice versa, also recognize things that are correct but come from a 'suspicious' source (such as the clothing and material issue of NL soldiers that Baudet raised). It's about recognizing that some things are more true than others, to substantiate that and go for it. We need a vision for the long term, a vision that goes beyond a single government term. We need wise, educated, authoritative and integral leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Eberhard van der Laan, Herman Wijffels, Sigrid Kaag, Emma Bruns, Jos de Blok, Boyan Slat and other inspiring future builders. And many other individuals and organizations that develop integrated leadership. So you.
Leida Schuringa, Rob van Drunen and Toine Leroi,
November 2017
Leida, Rob and Toine are part of the SDi writers collective of CHE (Center for Human Emergence). This collective looks at social issues from Spiral Dynamics (www.spiraldynamicsintegral.nl) and thus offers insight into new solutions.
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