Post-Structuralism

Post-Structuralism is a term for philosophical and literary forms of theory that both build upon and reject ideas established by Structuralism, the intellectual project that preceded it. Though Post-Structuralists all present different critiques of structuralism, common themes among them include the rejection of the self-sufficiency of Structuralism, as well as an interrogation of the binary oppositions that constitute its structures. Accordingly, Post-Structuralism discards the idea of interpreting media (or the world) within pre-established, socially constructed structures.

Beliefs
For Post-Structuralists, the idea that language and culture were constructed by humans actually presupposed their unpredictability and vulnerability to bias. Post-Structuralist theory suggests that the concept of 'truth' is tricky – if not impossible – to pin down. This is because the link between signifier and signified is not as fixed as structuralists believed due to the influence of multiple factors.

Keep in mind that post-structuralist theory differs heavily between thinkers, so this will not apply to every post-structuralist and will be very simplified.

Anti-Foundationalism
A fundamental tenet of post-structuralist theory is that there is no foundation for knowledge or metaphysical principles. Unlike thinkers like Hegel or Marx, who introduce basis for their metaphysics, respectively ideas and material conditions, post-structuralists critique the notion that philosophy can be reduced down to one singular principle. Instead, post-structuralists don't give any fundamental principles for their philosophy.

On Structure
Post-structuralists, taking from structuralism, borrow the idea that things are defined by their relations to other thing. One cannot define a tree if one does not know what a plant means, or what a leaf is, etc. What post-structuralists differ in is that they see that this structure can never end, and if it ends then all things in the structure lose their meaning. As such, structural systems are always incomplete.

Social Constructivism
Many post-structuralists hold the view, going hand in hand with anti-foundationalism, that concepts are not inherent but conditioned by their environment. Post-structuralists find it naive that anyone would think that their way of viewing things is in some way different then any other system throughout history. Instead, they call for us to always consider the context of an idea and engage in what Marx calls the ruthless criticism of all that exists.

Friends
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Neutral
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Enemies
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