The Democratic Potential in the Transition of Postmodernism

Abstract

Postmodernism is more than a school of thought or merely a critique of modernism. It is rather a period of transition that marks an evolutionary trend in the development of human culture and in the development of democratic government. As such, postmodernism warrants more than reform; it calls for the conscious engagement of its potential. Further, the dilemmas of postmodernism could become permanently embedded in our culture if they are not recognized as the transitory growing pains of a society seeking a new balance rather than merely confronting a social malaise. Indeed, the basic tenets of postmodern philosophy can be understood from different perspectives—not all of which lead to the decline of civilization. Postmodernism, for example, is also an opportunity for government to participate in the evolution of American democracy. Such participation, however, calls for a self-conscious public administration, one more concerned with stewarding this change than regulating it.