In the preceding chapters, we have repeatedly used the term ‘modernism’ and occasionally the term ‘postmodernism’. We have
also referred to ‘structuralism’, occasionally to ‘post-structuralism’, and in particular to the ‘thinking of difference’.
In this introduction, I will first elucidate the term ‘postmodernism’. Next, it will become clear that ‘poststructuralism’,
which is used as an overall term for ‘postmodern thinking’, has not only brought forth the ‘thinking of difference’ (Lyotard
and Derrida), but also a ‘thinking of indifference’ (Baudrillard and Jameson). This internal development will also be reflected
throughout the chapter. So what does ‘postmodernism’ mean? Hegel's description of post-romantic art looks suspiciously like
the present understanding of postmodernism. This is an interesting observation. And though his thesis on the end of art is
mainly related to modernism, Danto emphasized that artists in the period of “art after the end of art” could try out virtually
everything, reminding us of the new freedom which was so characteristic for the postmodern condition. In the above neo-Marxist
discussions, we were confronted in particular with the contrast between realism and modernism. Whereas Lukács wanted to return
to the realism that preceded modernism, Adorno turned into a staunch defender of modernism. Even though Adorno did not write
about postmodernism as such — the term was not yet in use — his strong resistance against the culture industry and mass culture
indicates that he would not have had much faith in postmodernism. In any case, it was not until after his death in 1971 that
postmodernism was firmly established.