This is an old revision of this page, as edited by R Lowry (talk | contribs) at 22:13, 6 January 2004 (a little clarification in the wording (still more to do IMO)). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 22:13, 6 January 2004 by R Lowry (talk | contribs) (a little clarification in the wording (still more to do IMO))(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Antimodernism is a philosophical orientation that is somewhat difficult to define, but in essence constitutes a rejection of modernist ideals and behaviours, in favour of what is perceived as a purer historical or even prehistorical way of life and consciousness of mind. As such, antimodernism is neither a single, definable movement nor a unified set of beliefs, but a general orientation in a person's thought.
The term overlaps, to a degree, with postmodernism, in that both positions reject modernism. However, while antimodernism typically looks towards the past for guidance and inspiration, postmodernism's rejection of modernism is generally informed by ideals born of times closer to the present. The focus of an antimodernist's view of the importance of the past may encompass religion, culture, nationalism, or merely a present continuation of an existent historical social structure. This is not to say, however, that antimodernist thinking is constrained within the bounds of historical precedent in finding solutions for present and future problems.
The notion of antimodernity was primarily born as a consequence of disillusionment with Europe's industrial revolution in the 19th century, which saw one of the most dramatic periods of social change in human history. Mass urbanisation and industrialisation contributed to the heralding of a markedly different era within a relatively short space of time. This thereby created an environment that was conducive to the rise of ideologies alternative to a mainstream which was far removed from the social and cultural assumptions of generations from merely decades before.
While not necessarily anti-technology by nature, antimodernists typically either consider technology's utilisation in the modern world to be misapplied and misguided, or else that it should be regarded as a lesser priority in human endeavour than, say, social cohesion or adherence to traditional religious and other cultural values. At the far side of the spectrum, some individuals characterisable as being antimodernist would consider all technology beyond a certain level of advancement as being demonic in either a literal or practical sense.
See also: Amish, The Lord Of The Rings, Luddite, Religious fundamentalism, Modernist Crisis