Islam and Perspectivism vs. Modernity

It's difficult to pinpoint a precise definition for modernity, but most people in our class agreed that it involves holding certain things as ideals toward which to strive. These things include Westernization and innovation. According to Watenpaugh (ch 2 of Being Modern in the Middle East), secularism and anti-traditionalism should also be included in this list. In contrast, Foucault was influenced by Nietzshe's belief in perspectivism (ch 2 of Postmodern Theory by Best and Kellner, p. 44). In perspectivism, there is no single correct interpretation of the world; a rich and deep interpretation can come about only through looking at multiple different interpretations. In other words, perspectivism allows for multiple possible explanations and, presumably, ideologies. This is part of postmodernism, which Foucault embraced.

Therefore, it shouldn't be surprising that Foucault's perspectivism is strikingly different from modernity. Best and Kellner explain that Foucault criticized modernity largely because he believed that the modern forms of knowledge, reason, and social institutions create "sociohistorical constructs of power and domination" (41). This is definitely a valid and crucial critique. However, I wonder if there's not an even more fundamental split between modernity and postmodernism. Because modernity believes certain values (i.e. Westernization, innovation, etc.) to be desirable, modernity implies that there is a single ideology. Perspectivism, on the other hand, seems to argue that there cannot be a single ideology; a singular vision is inadequate to explain the world. Clearly, postmodernism has taken some qualitative steps away from modernity.

Earlier in class we discussed the question of whether or not Islam can be modern. There were mixed reactions. Best and Kellner's chapter raises another question: Can Islam be postmodern?

From a religious perspective, I think most people would say no. Islam is a monotheistic faith that holds certain things to be absolutely true. This generally precludes the possibility of multiple ideologies or interpretations of the world.

And what about from a political or sociocultural perspective? Is it possible for Muslim areas of the world to embrace a postmodern lifestyle? Is this question related to the previous question about religion? To get some answers, we need to know what postmodernism is. Here are some things Foucault thinks postmodernism involves:

            -  Power must be dispersed, not concentrated in ruling classes or structures

            -  Power must be productive, not repressive

            -  Power must not be economist (like Marx)

            -  Power must not be juridical (thinking in terms of law and rights)

            -  The ideal mode of power is bio-power (respects and manages individuals and

    individual differences, but also focuses on society as a population)

What do you think? Can Islam be postmodern? Saudi Arabia and Jordan are monarchies; Kuwait has an emirate. How does this fit with postmodernism? I don't have an answer already in my head, so all thoughts are welcome.


-GGM