" Our working hypothesis is that the status of knowledge is altered as societies enter what is known as the postindustrial age and cultures enter what is known as the postmodern age. "
- Jean-Francois Lyotard

The quote suggests that as societies progress into what we call the postindustrial age and cultures evolve towards a postmodern perspective, our understanding and perception of knowledge undergo significant changes. This means that the ways in which information is viewed, valued, and disseminated transform dramatically during these transitions.

To delve deeper into this idea, Lyotard's statement implies that traditional notions of knowledge, authority, and truth become increasingly questioned as societies move past industrialization and towards a more complex cultural framework. In postindustrial settings, technology plays an essential role in creating new forms of knowledge that were unimaginable before. Similarly, in the context of postmodern culture, there is a growing skepticism about absolute truths and established authorities, leading to a diversification of perspectives on what constitutes valid knowledge. This shift can be seen in various fields such as science, art, and social structures, where rigid hierarchies are challenged, and new voices emerge.

Jean-François Lyotard was a prominent French philosopher who lived from 1924 to 1998. He is well-known for his contributions to postmodern theory, particularly in how societies interpret knowledge and cultural practices as they evolve over time. His work often critiques modernist ideas and explores the fluidity of truth and authority within rapidly changing social landscapes.