A fundamental shift from universal, overarching explanations of reality (such as religion, science, or progress) to more localized, context-dependent forms of knowledge. Lyotard argues that postmodernity is characterized by skepticism toward these meta-narratives that once gave coherence to human experience.

The computerization and digitalization of society have fundamentally altered how knowledge is produced, stored, and transmitted. This transformation has led to the commodification of knowledge, where information becomes a product to be bought and sold rather than a means of emancipation.

The concept that different domains of knowledge operate according to their own rules and criteria for validity, similar to different games with distinct rules. This leads to a fragmentation of truth and multiple, competing forms of legitimation.