Postmodern aesthetic theory with reference to South African architecture

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is the study of postmodern aesthetic theory, as it relates to architecture. Because it was not clear at the outset if the postmodern discourse were relevant to architecture in South Africa, examples in this country will he discussed. Dealing, as it does, with the study of aesthetic theory, the discussion of buildings and the criticism of buildings are not the primary' objectives of this study, although the importance of making arguments applicable to actual buildings as examples is acknowledged. Broad principles in the theory of postmodernism are dealt with first, namely the shifts that have occurred on economic and cultural levels in Western societies during the last three decades. The re-evaluation of Western-culture is discussed, as it relates to the criticism of the Enlightenment tradition and positivism by pragmatist philosophy and the Frankfurt School. In chapter four, which deals with 'culture industry*, then observation that cultural goods are becoming consumer commodities, and the diminishing gap between 'high art' and popular culture, are discussed.