Postmodernism, a term that, by its own definition, is difficult to define, is a line of thought that goes against the established theories of modernism. Postmodernism was brought to the fore during the second half of the twentieth century and still remains the discipline of choice of many historians today. It is best known, and equally best hated, for its scepticism. Some of the principle `sceptical' postmodern writers include the historian and philosopher Michel Foucault, who examines the relationship between power and knowledge, and how governments control the mind as a means of social control. Deconstructionist Jacques Derrida examines language itself and how the author has no control over what they are writing. Roland Barthes takes this further with his `death of the author' theories. These `sceptics' have created the backbone of postmodern thinking for the...