The article discusses the negative effects of postmodernism and the need to end it. In particular, the authors discuss its effects on special education. I agree with the authors’ assertion that postmodernism cannot be reconciled with science because it defines science as a social construct. Kauffman and Sasso are right to refute the assertion that science is a social construct. This approach has infiltrated the academic world and confused. It is also true that various concepts of postmodernism influence education, workplaces, and social discourse. The fact that certain beliefs or practices are common does not mean they represent the truth. According to the authors, examples of the negative effects of postmodernism include the expiration of cultural anthropology as a discipline, introduction of relativism in humanities, and introduction of pessimism in special education (Kauffman & Sasso, 2006).
According to the article, “a suggestion we encounter frequently is that we should be tolerant of others and accept alternative views of truth.” (Kauffman & Sasso, 2006) This statement states the importance of allowing people to express themselves. Postmodernism is founded on the belief that truth is subjective. The benefits of accepting or tolerating the views of others include enhanced coexistence, informed social, political, and economic discourses, and improving the exchange of knowledge and information. For instance, there is peaceful coexistence among different religions, races, and ethnic groups because of the willingness of each group to accept and tolerate the views of other groups.
It is unfair and unethical to impose cultures, customs, and ideologies of one group on others. However, it is important for all groups to accept scientific knowledge unanimously because conflicting findings cannot be derived from scientific experiments. The authors are right by arguing that not all situations need common ground. According to Kauffman & Sasso (2006), finding common ground on certain issues could undermine truth and promote gibberish. Constructivists argue that people learn by developing personal perceptions and knowledge of the world. Therefore, they believe that education should be informed by social constructs. Learners should be free to learn through their means without subjection to tailor-made means of learning (Kauffman & Sasso, 2006).
According to the Bible, the truth sets people free. Jesus taught that people should strive to find the truth to enjoy freedom. Different communities, nations, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups have varied interpretations of freedom. In many communities, freedom is described as the opportunity to practice beliefs and ideologies without external coercion or interference. This is also true for religion. Freedom can be expressed through conduct that is by social and moral ways of living. Postmodernism encourages the existence of varied and opposing ideologies. Even though the authors argue that postmodernism is destructive, they agree that finding common ground on certain issues is inappropriate (Kauffman & Sasso, 2006). For example, there is no common ground about the origin of life. Science and religion have different views. However, every person is free to choose what to believe between the explanations of religion and science.
Through personal reflection, I agree that it is important for people to have freedom of expression. On the other hand, it is important for social, political, and religious groups to tolerate and accept the views and ideologies of other groups. For instance, different religions have different views about life and the origin of humanity. Therefore, to foster social cohesion and unity, each religion should tolerate the beliefs of other religions. Accepting and tolerating different ideologies is ethical and important for the development of society. It is unethical to establish fixed rules and regulations to govern people.
Reference
Kauffman, J., & Sasso, G. (2006). Toward Ending Cultural and Cognitive Relativism in Special Education. Exceptionality, 14(2), 65-90.