176 Pages
    by Routledge

    170 Pages
    by Routledge

    At last, a short and authoritative critical introduction to one of the most talked about and most misunderstood concepts of current times. Barry Smart provides a clear and readable discussion for students which also manages to be a shrewd and stimulating contribution to the debate about modernity and postmodernity. Brightly observed and totally trustworthy it will occupy a central place in all introductions to the concept of postmodernity.

    Acknowledgements 1. New Times, Old Troubles 2. The Disorder of Things 3. Sociology, Ethics and the Present 4. Modern Reason, Postmodern Imagination 5. Heretical Discourse 6. Global Conditions and Controversies, References

    Biography

    Barry Smart

    'His short book is an extremely useful introduction to the debates surrounding postmodernism ...' - Social Science Teacher

    'Barry Smart's book is written for students ... it manages to present conflicting theories with neat persuasiveness while making the author's reservations clear.' - The Modern Review

    'This is an illuminating, sober and knowledge-enhancing account which may well be a milestone in the twisted road of our times to self-understanding ... [Smart's] feat will be welcomed by thousands of professionals, students and members of the enlightened public alike. Smart renders a priceless service to his readers, having digested on their behalf the enormous literature and sifted out everything valuable and important. Smart's 'career report' of the debate is comprehensive, critical yet fair, and expressed in jargon-free language.' - Zygmunt Bauman, Political Studies