Metamodernism: The Future of Theory

Scholars have questioned the universality of disciplinary objects and categories, leading to the collapse of coherence. Jason Ānanda Josephson Storm's metamodernism offers a path forward for the humanities and social sciences by radicalizing and moving beyond deconstructive projects. It provides a new model for theory, a "Process Social Ontology," and an approach to philosophy of language that considers the continuum of sign-making with animal and plant communication. Storm also promotes humble, emancipatory knowledge that recognizes the existence of multiple modes of the real. Metamodernism is a revolutionary manifesto for research in the human sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

For decades, scholars have been challenging the universality of disciplinary objects and categories. The coherence of defined autonomous categories, such as religion, science, and art, has been questioned by postmodern critiques, raising doubts about the possibility of progress and the value of knowledge. Jason Ānanda Josephson Storm aims to radicalize and move beyond these deconstructive projects to offer a path forward for the humanities and social sciences using a new model for theory he calls metamodernism.

Metamodernism operates by examining the mechanisms that create and maintain concepts and social categories within the context of postmodern critiques. By doing so, Storm provides a novel and radical account of society's ever-changing nature, which he refers to as a "Process Social Ontology." This ontology encompasses the idea of temporary zones of stability or "social kinds," where different forms of social organization and interaction emerge.

Storm then develops a fresh approach to philosophy of language by expanding the scope of theorizing beyond human language production. He demonstrates how our own sign-making is interconnected with animal and plant communication, highlighting the continuum of communication across different species.

Furthermore, Storm addresses fundamental issues related to the relationship between knowledge and value. He advocates for a shift towards humble, emancipatory knowledge that recognizes the existence of multiple modes of the real. This knowledge is not limited to human understanding but encompasses a broader perspective that encompasses the natural world and its complexities.

Metamodernism is a revolutionary manifesto for research in the human sciences that provides a new way through postmodern skepticism to envision a more inclusive future of theory. By challenging the boundaries of traditional disciplinary categories and embracing a holistic understanding of society, metamodernism offers the potential for new forms of progress and knowledge to be realized. Through its exploration of the mechanisms that produce and maintain concepts and social categories, metamodernism provides a framework for reimagining the humanities and social sciences and developing a more comprehensive understanding of the world. By recognizing the interconnectedness of different forms of communication and knowledge, metamodernism offers a path forward for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 152 x 231 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226786650