The most meaningful insight from this chapter is that in a philosophical sense, postmodernism truly is the resurgence and the maturing of modernism (Barker 2003, 207). Kant's thinking is evident within every aspect of postmodernism. However, it is also true that contemporary life for many in the Western countries is dominated by what could be termed a "postmodern" lifestyle or culture. Not only is it true that we are living in the days of postmodernism, it is also true that postmodernism holds great hope for the future. I think that it is extremely helpful to distinguish between different "regimes of truth".
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
I think it is helpful for Christians also, who hold that there is an absolute truth that is Christocentric through and through. In Christian witness, our job is to distinguish between the various systems of truth in the world (secular humanism, Buddhist and New Age influences, etc...) and the truth system that we present. In the end, I do believe that those other systems are false, but that does not preclude those systems from operating upon an inner logic. In the same way, the Christian system of theology operates in a system of logic that is not readily observable to outsiders. This fact requires us in our witness to then go about enculturating others to the Christocentric inner logic. This requires teaching others a new language. I find this a helpful paradigm for Christian life and witness.
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"The most meaningful insight from this chapter is that in a philosophical sense, postmodernism truly is the resurgence and the maturing of modernism (Barker 2003, 207)."
Yes - I agree with this point, though it's only one version. There are those who see the postmodern as having completely broken with modernity. Though I think Giddens (and Barker) are more accurate.
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