Heuristic Potential of Postmodern Philosophy

Abstract

Heuristic potential of postmodern philosophy is one of the most important issues in assessing this philosophical tradition. Postmodernists, who seek to discover and develop new problem areas, have developed their own issues with new terminology and methodology. In light of these moments, representatives of other philosophical schools have not found a sufficient methodological base to analyze the heuristic potential of philosophy. In this paper, we have made an attempt to overcome the methodological gap between the postmodern philosophy and dialectical materialism. In this case, we propose to use methodology and terminology of dialectical materialism and to analyze the heuristic potential of problem issues raised by postmodernists. We have made an attempt to use the category concept in analyzing the chosen issue, discovered by Michel Foucault – epistemes and their periodic changes. In the course of the research, we have found that methodology of dialectical materialism is able not only to disclose the object at the level of Foucault's methodology but also to determine and overcome some contradictions and to answer the questions that were undercharacterized due to certain drawbacks in the methodology used by a French thinker. In analyzing problem issues raised in postmodern philosophy, the methodology of dialectical materialism will reveal the heuristic potential issues of this philosophical tradition better. This will make a significant contribution to philosophical thought and philosophical education development.