"Our working hypothesis is that the status of knowledge is altered as societies enter what is known as the postindustrial age and cultures enter what is known as the postmodern age"
- Jean-Francois Lyotard
About this Quote
This quote by Jean-Francois Lyotard recommends that as societies and cultures get in the postindustrial and postmodern ages, respectively, the status of knowledge is altered. This indicates that the method understanding is obtained, processed, and used changes in these new ages. Lyotard's working hypothesis recommends that knowledge is no longer seen as a fixed entity, however rather as something that is continuously developing and adapting to the changing times. This could mean that understanding is no longer seen as something that is absolute and constant, but rather something that is continuously being reinterpreted and re-evaluated because of brand-new details and perspectives. This could also mean that knowledge is no longer viewed as something that is only accessible to a choose few, however rather something that is open to everyone. In this way, understanding is viewed as something that is continuously in flux, and is open to analysis and reinterpretation.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"Of course as children, we all, in all cultures and societies, learn behavior from observation, imitation, and encouragement of various kinds. So by the suggestion made, we all 'pretend' most of the time"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"
