This is a lecture slide for a new module introduced by the Malaysian government which is Falsafah dan Isu Semasa. Commonly taught in Bahasa Malaysia. This slide is in English.

1. PHILOSOPHY &
CURRENT ISSUES
Topic 7: Ideology
By Fadhilah Raihan Lokman
SLAS, Taylor’s University

2. Learning Outcome
To explain the challenges of
Postmodern Relativism as a
result of modernity failure.
To describe the
development and
manifestation of
Postmodern Relativism.
To analyse answers from the
perspectives of religion and
tradition on the challenges
of Postmodern Relativism in
current life
Fadhilah Raihan Lokman
SLAS, Taylor’s University

3. CONCEPT OF
IDEOLOGY

5. Ideology comes from the word (idea) which means concept, notion,
fundamental belief, and ambition. On the other hand, the word (logi) which is
(logos) in Greek encapsulates knowledge and thoughts.
In a literal term, ideology is the knowledge of notion, ideas, science of ideas,
the teaching of basic understanding.
“One of the elements that shapes the mental and physical needs of an
individual in building a society that encompasses political issues, society,
economy and other matters related to social geography”. (Encyclopedia
Brittanica).
What is Ideology?

6. Differences between
Theory and Ideology

7. Modernism
Post-Modernism
• Relativism
Current Ideology

8. Timeline
Medieval
(church/religion)
Modernism
(secularism,
humanism,
liberalism)
Postmodernism
(relativism,
subjectivism,
scepticism)

10. Modernism &
Post-Modernism

11. Started in the 18th
century sparked by
Enlightenment
movement.
Prominent figures during
the era were Immanuel
Kant from Germany, John
Locke dan juga David
Hume from Britain.
Emphasizes the
importance of a rational
mind in determining truth.
Glorifies scientific
success and empirical
methods.
Abandons old traditions
from the Medieval age
that were based on
religion.
Having new faith in humans’
ability to create a better life that
can build a new culture based
on rationale and scientific
methods.
This went on until the 20th century with the
achievement of scientific milestones and the birth
of new philosophers such as Bertrand Russel, Karl
Popper who introduced modernism thoughts,
positivism, logic and so on.
Modernism

12. Against
logocentrism,
rationality, objectivity
and scientific
methods
Humans too possess
emotions, intuitions,
spiritualism and so
on
Science is not
paradigmatic in
nature (vs logical
positivism which
rejects metaphysics)
Post-Modernism

13. Scientific knowledge
consists of aspects that are
not rational
For example, the changes in certain scientific
theories are not completely based on
rational or logical factors but are also
influenced by psychological and sociological
factors. And this is not naturally rational.
Post-Modernism

15. Truth: Absolute & Objective
• Centralization
• Class struggle
• Constructivism
• Culture
• Hermeneutics
• High culture
• Hierarchy
• Industry
• Theory
• National strength
• Religion
• Legitimacy
• Consensus
• Traditional culture
• Continuity
Truth: Relative & Subjective
• Decentralization
• Ethnic struggle
• Deconstructivism
• Subculture
• Nihilism
• Low Culture
• Anarchy
• Post-industry
• Paradigm
• Collective strength
• Sects
• De-legitimacy
• De-Consensus
• Liberalism
• Discontinuity
Modernism vs Post-Modernism

16. MANIFESTATION OF
POSTMODERN RELATIVISM
PHENOMENA
POSTMODERNISM IS PERCEIVED AS THE
REJECTION OF MODERNITY

17. • Theory of relativism is a theory that rejects objective truth.
• Relativism assumes that truth can be viewed from different angles.
• For example, we can accept A as the right theory and from another angle, we can
also accept B as a theory that shares the same quality. Therefore, if we assume
that truth is not absolute, this means that we are able to accept differing opinions
on the grounds that there is no absolute truth, and there are many other ways to
understand the truth.
• For postmodernists, the concept of relativism is a way to deny the concept of
absolute truth as claimed by science.
THEORY OF RELATIVISM
Postmodernism rejects universal moral and spiritual
values and accepts the relativity of all values in all areas.
Therefore, no specific value preference exists. Everyone
should order their own values, value preferences, and
approaches (Tajik, 2005; Rahnama, 2009).

18. • The notion of relativism which claims that there is no absolute truth is a claim
that contradicts itself (a claim that denies or rejects its own truth).
• If we are to say that there is no absolute truth, does this mean that our argument
or view does not carry the absolute truth? When we reiterate the notion that
“there is no absolute truth”, can our statement be perceived as “not absolutely
true?”
• 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.
• Therefore, the notion of relativism does not really stand firm on a logical basis.
CRITICS OF RELATIVISM

19. Simplest Way to Understand It

20. POSTMODERN RELATIVISM:
ANSWERS FROM THE
PERSPECTIVES OF RELIGION
AND TRADITION

21. ● For Muslims, there are several fundamental beliefs that are truly accepted
and cannot be questioned or rejected.
● Truth is perceived as absolute truth. For example, the faith in God is an
absolute belief that cannot be questioned. However, if we were to
embrace relativism, we might believe the existence of God, but at the
same time accept the notion that God does not exist. Again, we are faced
with contradictions as our logic is suggesting that both can be accepted.
● Relativism can lead to a series of serious contradictions.
● Scientists also reject relativism because accepting it means scientific
research cannot be done well or in a perfect manner.
POSTMODERN RELATIVISM:
FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF RELIGION AND TRADITION

22. ● The ideology of relativism denies the absolute of existence or truth.
Therefore, it becomes a challenge to religious beliefs, as religions are
dogmatic- which means that a a particular belief can neither be changed
nor challenged and the acceptance of the belief has to be absolute and
cannot be questioned.
● Relativism is rejected from the religious perspective because a belief cannot
be questioned or challenged. For example, faith in God is a belief that
depicts absolute trust;therefore, it can never be changed or be
misinterpreted to a belief that suggests the opposite (can be challenged
and questioned).
● From the perspective of any religion, relativism is not accepted because its
raises religious doubts.
POSTMODERN RELATIVISM:
FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF RELIGION AND TRADITION

23. IMPLICATION OF
POST-MODERN
RELATIVISM IN LIFE

24. HOW IT APPLIES TO CURRENT ISSUES AND TRENDS -
POSTMODERN RELATIVISM: LIFE WITHOUT ABSOLUTE
TRUTH
The challenges faced by society
(locally and globally) stemming
from the Theory of Relativism
which denies absolute truth. In
contrast, subjectivity based on
one’s judgement is preferred.
RELIGION
Skepticism
Religious Pluralism
Atheism
Hedonism
Narcissism
PSYCHOLOGY /
SOCIOLOGY
Sexual Pluralism
Denying human reality
Society shapes an individual
The teaching of “Politically
Correct”
POLITICS/
ECONOMY
Politics, Post-truth
& Anarchy
Political Identity
Economic
Inequality and
Discrimination

26. What do you think of
Post-Modernism?

27. THANK YOU