For
instance (example #1 below), Superstition (a pre-intellectual idea)
evolved into the intellectual concept of Science. Today we witness
both the hyper-intellectual phenomenon of Technological Determinism and
the counter-intellectual move towards New Age Mysticism--a return to
superstition. Similar trends can be seen in economic patterns (#2),
education (#3), governance (#4), and religion (#5).
Although we have been discussing the idea
of Post-Intellectualism as if it were one coherent model, it would be more
accurate to break it down into two opposing trends-- Hyper-Intellectualism
(the pushing of an intellectual mindset beyond the bounds of reasonable and
responsible progress) and Counter-Intellectualism (a deliberate
attempt to reverse an intellectual movement, returning to something closer to
Pre-Intellectualism).
1.
Technological Determinism
2.
Capitalistic exploitation
3.
Vocational specialization
4.
International alliances
5.
Atheism
Exploring
the realities of hyper-intellectualism and counter-intellectualism, we can
begin to understand the thrashing conflicts in today's cultural
anarchy: We witness expanding globalization even as nation-states break
up and embrace retribalization. We have increasing amorality clashing
with fanatical fundamentalism. We uphold the ideal of individualism
while we implement Affirmative Action policies. We eagerly adopt new
technologies even as we curse our dependence on the technocrats and
bureaucrats that make things run. This is the
nature of the post-intellectual chaos we are experiencing.
