Clarifies differences between postmodernism and criticalism through an exploration of ocular- and phonocentric theories of truth and meaning, reviewing alternatives opened by these counter-enlightenment discourses. The paper asserts that certain popular postmodern themes are importantly insightful, but best relocated within a criticalist framework, suggesting that while criticalism provides a more promising direction for counter-enlightenment thought and practice, it is an unfinished product in need of further work. (SM)