Topic 7

Ideology
and current issue
LECTURE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Explain the ideological challenges of Relativism in
Postmodernism as a reaction to the failure of
Modernity

Explain the development of phenomena and

manifestations of Relativism in Postmodern
era

Analyse the responses of religion and

tradition to the ideological challenges of
Postmodern Relativism in current life
 Ideology
• The Ideology comes from the English (idea) which
means concept, idea, basic understanding, or
ideals.
• The Ideology refers to a set of beliefs, or doctrines that back a certain social
institution or a particular organization.
• While philosophy refers to pragmatically looking at life and attempting to
understand why life is as it is and the principles governing it.
• The definition of ideology is the set of ideas and beliefs that are important to
a person, a group, or a culture. An example of an ideology is a candidate's
statement about their beliefs.
• Doctrine, philosophy, a body of beliefs or principles belonging to an individual
or group.
• Another definition of ideology
•  a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual,
group, or culture.
• the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a
sociopolitical program.
• a systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture.
 Relativism

Post -
Modernism Modernism
Ideology

Current
Challenges
 THE CHALLENGE OF THE IDEOLOGY OF
POST -MODERN RELATIVISM

- The main feature of the Ideological.

- The modernity of Postmodern
- Relativism as a Reaction to the Failure
of Modernity
 THREE MAIN TRENDS IN THE
ORIENTATION OF THINKING OF
CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

• Ernest Garner in his book

Postmodernism, Reason and Religion,
says that there are now three main
streams of thought.

1. Enlightenment Rationalism, and can

be equated with modernism.
2. Postmodernism.
3. About religion, the discussion
revolved around Islam.
 Timeline

Modern Pasca-modern
Medieval (modernism - (postmodern -
secularism, relativism,
(Church
humanism,
/Religion) liberalism) subjectivism,
scepticism)
 Modernism
It started probably around the 18th century with the Enlightenment movement brought by Enlightenment
philosophers such as Immanuel Kant in Germany, John Locke, and even David Hume in Britain.

This modernist understanding brought by the philosophers of the Enlightenment movement emphasizes the
importance of the rational mind in determining the truth, determining what is the form of social organization,
and so on.

Glorifying the success of science and scientific methods available at that time which is a progress in the
achievement of human knowledge.

Leaving old features as found in medieval society which is grounded in religion

A new belief in the human ability to create a better life in this world and lead to a new culture based on
rationality, the scientific method

This belief was continued in the 20th century with the success of science, and the emergence of new
philosophers such as Bertrand Russell, and Karl Popper who brought the stream of modernism and logical
positivism, and so on.
• With the success of science, which is based on the use of
empirical and rational methods, then they already have new
confidence in the human ability to create a better life in this
world and lead to a new culture based on rationality, scientific
methods, and concepts.
• that this man can achieve progress by using the intellect he has
in himself, that is, the human ability to create a new life and
society that leaves behind the old characteristics as found in a
medieval society centered on religion.
• This is the history of development or nature found in modernist
thought, underpinned by the movement and thought of the
Enlightenment.
• This belief continued in the 20th century with the
successes of science, in the field of physics in particular,
and with the advent of new philosophers such as
Bertrand Russell, and Karl Popper who brought the
stream of modernism and logical positivism and so on,
they all emphasized the rational thinking and scientific
method (scientific method) in solving problems that are
not only problems of nature but problems related to
humanity as well.
 Postmodernism
• Opposes logocentrism (mind-centered), rationality,
objectivity, and scientific methods

• Humans also have aspects of emotion, intuition, spirituality,

etc.

• Science is not a knowledge that is paradigmatic (vs. logical

positivism that rejects metaphysics)
 Postmodernism
• Science becomes an indicator of truth in all areas of knowledge
and aspects of life.
• This was a rather large and radical project, but the emergence
of such a philosophy that emphasized only the intellectual,
reason, and scientific aspects had met with opposition from
what was later termed postmodernism.
• they are opposed to modernity as brought about by the
Enlightenment and logical positivism because they consider
that such an approach is in nature, what they call logocentric,
i.e. emphasizing the purely rational mind which is something
unbalanced.
 Postmodernism
• This is because if we look at the human being, then as a human being it not
only consists of intellectual aspects but also emotional, intuitive, spiritual
aspects, and so on.
• They opposed and held a rebellion against logocentrism as well as against
rationality, objectivity, and the scientific method.
• Thus, they consider that science is not a paradigmatic science, that is, as an
example science if another science does not have the characteristics of
science then it is not considered science, as said by logical positivism which
rejects metaphysics. etc.
 Science is something that
also contains irrational
aspects.

For example,
the exchange of theories in
science is not based on
rational or logical factors
alone, but can also be
influenced by psychological
and sociological factors, and
this is not rational.
THOMAS KUHN
 VARIOUS BELIEFS IN POST -MODERNISM
- Another group that can be associated with postmodernism is the social
constructivists, who have the understanding that knowledge does not
necessarily reflect the objective facts of the truth of nature, instead, they
say that knowledge is a construct associated with the interests of society
or the views of society, piercing into the construction of that science.
- For example, what is of human interest is what is the subject of study for
example, so nature is viewed selectively, not neutrally.
Man chooses what aspects of nature have importance to him to create
something useful for him.
• So with that, it can also be said that scientists have a selective attitude about what
they want to emphasize about this nature.
• From that point of view, they do not assume that science is objective but can
describe their interests.
• For example, Ludwik Fleck, a sociologist who studies the history of medicine, said
that if we look at the terms and concepts used in medical research, we will be able
to see the social aspects of constructivism.
• There are also theories such as Darwin's theory in the field of biology, the theory of
evolution by natural selection is influenced by the conditions of the surrounding
society influenced by Thomas Malthus' book entitled "Essay on Population"
• So we look at how societal conditions can influence biological thinking. So on
behalf of social constructivists, they say that this shows that science is not objective
but influenced by external factors. So this is among the theories of postmodernism
in the field of science.
Sosial Konstruktivisme
• But other ideologies can be associated with postmodernism such as
deconstruction by Derrida,
• the concept of science and its relationship to power by Michael
Foucault,
• continental philosophy associated with French and German
philosophers such as Albert Camus with existentialism and so on.
• These beliefs emphasize the human aspect, the importance of the
human society aspect, the spiritual aspect and so on which is
contrary to the concept of objectivity, rationality, and scientific
method emphasized by the modernists.
• So here it is seen that postmodernism is a reaction to modernist
ideology, and this contradiction persists to this day.
Deconstructionism

Ilmu dan Kuasa

Eksistansialisme
 MODERNISM POST-MODERNISM
Truth: Absolute & Objective
Truth: Relative & Subjective
• Centralization
• Decentralization
• Class Fight
• Ethnic Struggle
• Construction
• Deconstruction
• Culture
• Sub-Culture
• Hermeneutist
• Nihilism
• High Culture
• Low Culture
• Hierarchy
• Anarchy
• Industry
• Post-Industrial
• Theory
• Paradigm
• State Power
• Shared Strength
• Religion
• Sects
• Legitimacy
• Delegation
• Consensus
• Deconsensus
• Traditional Culture
• Liberalism
• Continuity
• Discontinuities
PHENOMENONS AND MANIFESTATIONS OF
POST -MODERN RELATIVISM

Postmodernism is said to be a rejection of Modernity

 THEORY OF RELATIVISM
• The theory of relativism is a theory that rejects something
objective truth.
• Relativism assumes that truth can be seen from various
angles.
• For example in science, we can accept theory A as true, and
from another angle, we can see theory B as true as well. So if
we assume that the truth is not absolute, then this means
that we can accept various points of view on the basis that
there is no absolute truth, but there are different ways to
understand the reality of the truth.
• For postmodernists, the concept of relativism is a way of
denying the concept of absolute truth as claimed by science
only science is capable of imparting true knowledge about
this universe.
 CRITICISM OF RELATIVISM
• The notion of relativism that says that there is no absolute
truth is a statement that denies its truth.
• If we say that there is no absolute truth, then in this view also
a view for which it is not an absolute truth?
• So the statement has denied itself. When we say that the
statement is “there is no absolute truth” can such a
statement also be considered “absolutely untrue”?
• To say there is no absolute truth means that you are saying
that even your statement about there being no absolute truth
is not true because it is subjected to that same belief.
• So the notion of relativism is logical and has no strong logical
basis.
How Postmodernism is said to be a rejection of Modernity/ Modernism?

• While modernism was based on idealism and reason, postmodernism was born of
scepticism and a suspicion of reason. It challenged the notion that there are universal
certainties or truths.
• It's not that postmoderns think people are all bad. Postmoderns do recognize that
humans are often motivated by the will to power and other base desires. Mostly,
though, they just reject the idea that modernity has that people can be perfected
• Postmodernity rejects modernity's optimism about people. It's not that postmoderns
think people are all bad. Postmoderns do recognize that humans are often motivated by
the will to power and other base desires. Mostly, though, they just reject the idea that
modernity has that people can be perfecte
• Postmodernity rejects the idea of grand narratives, in favour of the little narratives, or
those based on local or minor heroes.
THE CHALLENGE OF THE IDEOLOGY OF POST -
MODERN RELATIVISM

Technolog
y &
Economy
P
o
l Daniel Bell. 1976.
i The Cultural Contradictions
of Capitalism

t
IMPLICATIONS OF POST -MODERN
RELATIVISM IN LIFE
IMPLICATIONS OF POST -MODERN RELATIVISM IN LIFE
 APPLICATION OF CURRENT ISSUES - POST -MODERN
RELATIVISM: LIFE WITHOUT FACT AND TRUTH
The essence of the current ideological challenges
being faced by local and global humanity arises from
the thinking of the Philosophy of Relativism which POLITICS/
denies the Existence of Reality and Truth that can be ECONOMY
known outside the human self, on the contrary Post-Truth Politics &
depending on their respective frame of mind. Anarchy
PSYCHOLGY/ Identity Politics
ETIQUETTE
SOCIOLOGY Economic gap
Ethical & Moral Sex Pluralism & Marginalization
Relativism
Denial of Human Reality
Society as Society shapes the
RELIGION
Breaking the Individual
Skepticism
Value of Politically Correct
Religious Pluralism Hedonism Analyzing the Challenges
Atheism Narcissism Education
of Current Issues through
LAW - Rejection of Authority and Tradition the Domain of
HISTORY-Rewriting History, History as SCIENCE Philosophical Analysis of
Fiction-“Anything Goes” Methodology, Anti-Science POST MODERN
PHILOSOPHY-Anti-Realism, Subjective Truth, Deconstruction RELATIVISM
RELIGIOUS AND TRADITIONAL
RESPONSES TO POST -MODERN
RELATIVISM

How can religion and tradition address the ideological challenges of

Postmodern Relativism?
RELIGIOUS AND TRADITIONAL RESPONSES
TO POST -MODERN RELATIVISM
• As for Islam for example, some beliefs are accepted by
Muslims, and their truth cannot be doubted.
• That truth is considered absolute truth.
• Belief in God, for example, is an absolute and
unquestionable truth.
• On the other hand, if we have a relativistic ideology, we
may assume that the ideology that says that God exists is
acceptable, but at the same time, we can say that the
ideology that God does not exist is also acceptable?
• Again we are faced with a problem of logic here because in
logic we cannot accept that the statement B and not B are
both true. After all, this involves a contradiction.
 The Effect of Relativism on
Religious Beliefs

• So relativism leads to a serious logical problem

contradiction!
• Scientists also reject the notion of relativism because
if they accept the notion it means implying that this
scientific study cannot be done as well as possible.
• Relativism denies the existence of absolute fact or truth, so it
is a challenge to religious beliefs, because religion is
dogmatic, meaning that a religious belief cannot be changed
or challenged, its acceptance must be absolute, and cannot
doubt the truth. delivered through something of that religion.
• From a religious point of view, relativism is rejected, because
a belief cannot be doubted, it is a religious approach, and
also for religion, the truth of each is absolute, for example,
belief in God is a belief that is considered to describe an
absolute belief, thus it cannot be modified or given another
interpretation that does not lead to its acceptance as
absolute truth. While relativism does not take such an
attitude.
• From the point of view of any religion, they do not accept this
notion of relativism because it may raise doubts about their
beliefs as taught by a particular religion.
Question: How can religion and tradition address the ideological
challenges of Postmodern Relativism?

• Religions and traditions may be adapted according to time and

situation. Society can also study the original meaning that religion
and tradition want to convey.
• parents can spread the importance of tradition with the family
• Religion and tradition need to keep up with the times
• Caring for one’s own identity and differences from others
• promote and improve their own culture.
• commenting on religions and traditions and moving those that are
not appropriate for this age
 TAJUK SETIAP KULIAH KURSUS FALSAFAH DAN ISU SEMASA BERDASARKAN DOMAIN ANALISIS FALSAFAH

KULIAH: IDEOLOGI
KULIAH 7 KONSEP SOALAN RUJUKAN
IDEOLOG
I
CABARAN IDEOLOGI Modeniti Apa ciri-ciri utama Modeniti? Johan Setiawan dan Ajat Sudrajat, Pemikiran
Postmodernisme dan Pandangan Terhadap
RELATIVISME PASCAMODEN Ilmu Pengetahuan, Jurnal Filsafat, Vol. 28, No.
1, (2018), (ms 25-46)
Bennett, J., Modernity and Its Critics, The
Oxford Handbook of Political Science (2011)
(ms 1-13)

FENOMENA DAN MANIFESTASI Pascamodenisme Bagaimana Pascamoden dikatakan Sharifah Sofiah ‘Atiqah Syed Ibrahim dan
Ismail Yusof, Teori Pascamoden dan Krisis
RELATIVISME PASCAMODEN penolakan terhadap Modeniti? Sosial: Penyelesaian Teori ke atas Fenomena
Sosial (ms 1-11)
Maria, B., A Brief History of Relativism (ms 1-
28)

IMPLIKASI RELATIVISME Cabaran Relativisme Pascamoden Huraikan ciri-ciri Cabaran Muhammad ‘Uthman el-Muhammady,
Pascamodenisme dan Islam: Satu Pandangan
PASCAMODEN DALAM Relativisme Pascamoden dalam Awal, (2004), Akademi Kajian Ketamadunan
KEHIDUPAN kehidupan seharian? Salberg, D., Stewart, R., Wesley, K., and
Weiss, S., Postmodernism and Its Critics.

JAWAPAN AGAMA DAN Agama dan Tradisi menangani Bagaimana agama dan tradisi boleh Zakaria Stapa, Revitalisasi Proses Peneguhan
Akidah dalam Menghadapi Cabaran
TRADISI TERHADAP cabaran ideologi Relativisme menangani cabaran ideologi Pascamodenisme, Ar-Raniry: International
RELATIVISME PASCAMODEN Pascamoden Relativisme Pascamoden? Journal of Islamic Studies, Vol.1, No.1, (2018),
(ms 1-40)