The term “postmodern” came from the field of architecture. Meaning “after modern,” it is a phrase that connotes, sometimes ironically, borrowing from the past in irreverent ways. Postmodern philosophy arose after major historical changes: the different scientific world views represented by Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity and sub-atomic physics; the enormous destructive power of twentieth century warfare; the liberation of former colonies, as well as women and nonwhites in Europe and the United States; the economic, political, and social conditions of “post-colonialism;” and a breakdown in traditional social institutions such as the nuclear family, changes in women’s roles, global capitalism, new economic inequalities, and environmental crises.