Skip to content

Absolute truth Quote by Terry Eagleton

“I argue that three key doctrines of postmodernist thought have conspired to discredit the classical concept of ideology. The first of these doctrines turns on a rejection of the notion of representation--in fact, a rejection of an empiricist model of representation, in which the representational…” quote by Terry Eagleton
Download Open image
““I argue that three key doctrines of postmodernist thought have conspired to discredit the classical concept of ideology. The first of these doctrines turns on a rejection of the notion of representation--in fact, a rejection of an empiricist model of representation, in which the representational baby has been nonchalantly slung out with, the empiricist bathwater. The second revolves on an epistemological skepticism which would hold that the very act of identifying a form of consciousness as ideological entails some untenable notion of absolute truth. Since the latter idea attracts few devotees these days, the former is thought to crumble in its wake. We cannot brand Pol Pot a Stalinist bigot since this would imply some metaphysical certitude about what not being a Stalinist bigot would involve. The third doctrine concerns a reformulation of the relations between rationality, interests and power, along roughly neo-Nietzschean lines, which is thought to render the whole concept of ideology redundant.””

Terry Eagleton

About This Quote

Source Book: Literary Theory: An Introduction, 1983

The quote critiques three postmodern ideas that undermine traditional ideology: rejecting representation, embracing epistemic skepticism, and redefining rationality, interests, and power, making ideology seem obsolete.

In simple terms: Postmodernism challenges the concept of ideology by denying representation, truth, and redefining power relations.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how these doctrines can obscure political analysis.

Themes

philosophy political theory postmodernism ideology critical theory

Mood

critical analytical skeptical

Type

theoretical academic critical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • political discourse
  • media analysis
  • education
  • policy critique

Key Concepts

representation skepticism neo‑Nietzschean power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do these doctrines affect our ability to critique power?
  • Can ideology still be a useful analytical tool?
A Different Perspective

These ideas may overlook material conditions and concrete power structures.

4.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Terry Eagleton

Explore all 215 Terry Eagleton quotes

More Absolute truth quotes

Browse all 317 Absolute truth quotes