What is meta-narrative?

Meta-narrative is usually called "grand narrative", which is an all-encompassing narrative with theme, purpose, inertia and unity. In critical theory, especially in post-modernism critical theory, this term refers to a complete explanation, that is, a description of historical significance, experience and knowledge. It is expected to be realized, giving a dominant idea social legitimacy.

Meta-narrative was first put forward by the French philosopher Lyotard in 1979. According to Lyotard's explanation, meta-narrative or grand narrative refers to the narrative with the function of legalization.

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meaning

Meta-narrative is a perfect concept, and it is a conceptual form that has a beginning and an end to the development process of human history. Because this idea can't be proved, it is often shattered by reality, so it is inevitable to be a myth.

On the other hand, meta-narrative is a bold assumption and historical verification of the whole historical development process of human society. Its motivation stems from some kind of hope or fear for the future development of human history, always involves the final outcome of human historical development, always relates to the present situation of social development, and is often a framework of political ideal.

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