PREMODERN TO POSTMODERN PHILOSOPHY: an amateur's attempt to trace philosophical development

Pre-Modern Philosophy.
Theistic mindset rules premodern thinking. The unmoved mover is at work. History and human existence are said to have objective realities and directions. The definitions of human concepts are based on divine truths, and that these truths are necessary to establish equilibrium in society. Therefore, pre-modern philosophy is God-centered.

Modernism.
God starts to fade from the limelight as modernism enters the scene. Modern thinking gives emphasis on man as an individual, and on man as the ultimate expression of what is true. Hence, the extolling of man's feats and achievements become essential in social circles, and scientism gains stronghold. The science practiced by man becomes the panacea to be relied on when human troubles arise.

Modernism versus Postmodernism.
Postmodern thinking debunks the universality of truth as claimed by modernism. If trusting were the issue, postmodernism claims that there is no certainty of one's intention -- so, doubt is unavoidable. Doubting, questioning, skepticism -- these are characteristics of postmodernism, which are contrary to the tenets of modernism. While the scientific method is tested way of arriving tat conclusive truths, postmodernism says that these truths are relative (and may not even be applicable to a large portion of humanity). Therefore, postmodernism looks at man as an individual (similar with modernism), but one as a member of a group -- society. As a member of a group, everything becomes shared -- experiences, belief systems, truths.

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This is written by a starting student of philosophy. Please understand if there are blunders and flaws in this text. Also, please feel free to leave constructive comments. ^^ Thanks!