How has the word 'Post Modern' been used by different 'theorists'

There are many different theorists who believe in post modernism for example Jean Bauldrillard or Fredrick Jameson. These theories might be linked to art, history, philosophy or politics.  Bauldrillard came up with the idea of ‘Simulacra’ and ‘Simulation’. Bauldrillard says that simulacra is an image that makes no reference to reality and simulation is. Baulrillard ask "It is no longer a question of imitation, nor duplication, nor even parody. It is a question of substituting the signs of the real for the real"  An example of Simularca is the Gulf War. Bauldrillards exact words are that ‘The Gulf War did not take place’. He said that the Gulf war was not ineffectual. Other theories came up was. He also associated with marxism which is situationism. Other ideas that Bauldrillard came up with was the four ways an object can obtain value. The first is the objects functional value of an object; its instrumental purpose for example a pen is there for writing and fridge is there for cooling. The second is the exchange value of the object meaning the economy. Again an example of this is the pen may be worth 3 pencils. The third is the symbolism of the object; the pen is a symbol of someone’s education. Fourthly a sign of the object: a diamond ring may be a sign of class and taste.

Other theorists like Jean Francis Lyotard who was known for his articulation of postmodernism. Lyotard was also know for is opposition to universals, meta-narratives and generality. According to Lyotard a Meta narrative is a big story and is represented in a shortened explanation for everything in society, for example feminism and Marxism.  He argues that ‘Meta narrative or otherwise known as ‘grand narratives’, we have ceased to believe that narratives of this kind are adequate to represent and contain us all. We have become alert to difference, diversity, the incompatibility of our aspirations, beliefs and desires’. Meaning we have created our own realities. Other ideas of Lyotard are ‘moral relativism’ meaning we no longer know what is wrong and what is right. The book The Postmodern condition outlines meta narrative and the ‘grand narrative’ and also elements of the post-industrial economy and the related postmodern culture, which had risen at the end of the 1950s after the reform of western Europe. This resulted with the idea that Lyotard came up with; ‘Language games’

Lastly, Fredric Jameson who argued against post modernism, who worked a lot with Marxism. He also believed that Post Modernism was pastiche and quotes ‘people tend to get this confused with parody’.

Overall you can see there are many theorists who use Post Modernism to present their views and who have come up with different ideas for instance Bauldrillard idea of simulacra and simulation. There are also some theorists who argue against Post Modernism like Jameson who thought it was pastiche.