THE SHAKY HIGH MORAL GROUND OF POSTMODERNIST “ETHICS”

Mel Gray,Terry Lovat

doi:10.15270/42-3-294

Abstract

Hölscher’s (2005) question, “Does postmodernism have a moral, ethical and values base?” appearsas something of a paradox. But, as she rightly recognises, she is not the first to ask the question. Inposing this question, Hölscher is merely following a long line of scholars, including Bauman,whose Postmodern Ethics (1993) form the theoretical backdrop to her discussion, and Foucault,whose ideas have been more influential than Bauman’s on social work thinking (Chambon, Irving& Epstein, 1999; Hugman, 2003, 2005). In the social sciences Bauman (1995), Benhabib (1992),Foucault (2000) and Young (1990) have grappled with the implications of postmodernism forethics and morality. In social work Atherton and Bollard (2003), Gray (1995), Hugman (2003,2005), Parton (1994) and Walker (2001), among others, have critically examined the ethicalimplications of the so-called “postmodern turn” in social work. In this paper the authors draw onthe work of Berman (2000) in trying to unravel the high moral ground of postmodernism; engagein a re-evaluation of the impact of key figures in modern Western philosophy such as Wittgensteinand, especially, Habermas; and consider the implications of their work for social work

Highlights

Hölscher’s (2005) question, “Does postmodernism have a moral, ethical and values base?” appears as something of a paradox
The paper has unravelled some of the high moral ground of postmodernism by utilizing the work of Berman
It has engaged in re-evaluation of the impact of key figures such as Wittgenstein and especially Habermas who, even as an alleged neo-Marxist, proposed a groundbreaking ethical schema that fits well with the philosophical theological tradition of the West and could even be described as based in a notion of transcendence

Summary

Introduction

Hölscher’s (2005) question, “Does postmodernism have a moral, ethical and values base?” appears as something of a paradox. There can be no talk about judgments regarding universal values, such as respect for persons, human rights and social justice; no application of such values or ethical precepts in local contexts, where completely different cultural rules and moralities might apply, and where there might not even be such terms in local languages.

Results

Conclusion