Meaning: Jean-Francois Lyotard, a French philosopher, is known for his influential work on the concept of postmodernity and its effects on knowledge and culture. The quote provided by Lyotard suggests that the status of knowledge undergoes a transformation as societies transition into the postindustrial age and cultures move into the postmodern age. In this essay, we will explore the implications of this statement and its relevance in the context of contemporary society.

The concept of the postindustrial age refers to a period characterized by a shift from manufacturing-based economies to service-based economies, advanced technology, and information-driven industries. This transition has led to significant changes in the structure of society, the nature of work, and the dissemination of knowledge. Similarly, the postmodern age is characterized by a rejection of grand narratives, an emphasis on cultural diversity, and a skepticism towards established norms and values.

Lyotard's assertion that the status of knowledge is altered in these new societal and cultural contexts is a reflection of the changing nature of knowledge production, dissemination, and reception. In the postindustrial age, knowledge is increasingly produced and distributed through digital technologies, leading to a democratization of information and a proliferation of diverse perspectives. This has resulted in a fragmentation of knowledge, with a multitude of competing narratives and truths, challenging the traditional authority of knowledge and expertise.

Furthermore, in the postmodern age, the proliferation of diverse cultural perspectives and the rejection of universal truths have led to a reevaluation of the criteria for validating knowledge. Lyotard's concept of "incredulity towards metanarratives" suggests that in a postmodern society, there is a skepticism towards overarching narratives that claim to provide a comprehensive explanation of the world. Instead, knowledge is viewed as contingent, context-dependent, and shaped by various social, cultural, and historical factors.

In this context, the status of knowledge is no longer based solely on its correspondence to an objective reality or its adherence to universal principles. Instead, knowledge is seen as inherently perspectival, situated within specific social and cultural contexts, and subject to constant reinterpretation and negotiation. This has profound implications for how knowledge is produced, validated, and utilized in contemporary society.

The altered status of knowledge in the postindustrial and postmodern age also raises questions about the role of expertise, authority, and power in shaping knowledge. In traditional industrial societies, knowledge was often institutionalized and controlled by experts and authorities in specific fields. However, in the postindustrial and postmodern age, the boundaries of expertise and authority are increasingly contested, leading to a democratization of knowledge production and a proliferation of alternative sources of knowledge.

Moreover, the digital revolution and the rise of social media have further accelerated this process, enabling individuals and communities to create and share knowledge on a global scale, bypassing traditional gatekeepers of information. This has led to a democratization of knowledge production, but it has also raised concerns about the proliferation of misinformation, the erosion of critical thinking, and the fragmentation of public discourse.

In conclusion, Jean-Francois Lyotard's assertion about the altered status of knowledge in the postindustrial and postmodern age sheds light on the profound transformations occurring in contemporary society. The democratization of knowledge, the rejection of grand narratives, and the proliferation of diverse perspectives have fundamentally reshaped the nature of knowledge and its role in shaping individual and collective experiences. Understanding these changes is crucial for navigating the complexities of knowledge production, validation, and utilization in the 21st century.