Rorty and Pragmatism: The Philosopher Responds to His Critics - Vanderbilt Library of American Philosophy

Jacket Description/Back: Richard Rorty is a philosopher who has been taken seriously in fields and disciplines far beyond his own. He challenges established forms of philosophical inquiry, particularly epistemology and metaphysics, jettisoning philosophical claims to unchanging truth and to scientific accuracy. His view that philosophy is pragmatic, interpretive, and historicist has brought him both accolades and criticism. In Rorty and Pragmatism, this highly influential and sometimes controversial philosopher responds to several of his most prominent critics, representing a wide range of backgrounds and concerns. Each of these critical challenges raises significant questions about Rorty's philosophical outlook. Whether or not one agrees with all of his positions, his replies are consequential. They provide insight into Rorty's thought, its development, and his sense of the future of philosophy. They further the discussion of the role of philosophy and of its contributions to society. Table of Contents: CONTENTS Preface Introduction Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. 1. Dewey Between Hegel and Darwin Richard Rorty 2. Rorty's Pragmatism and Farewell to the Age of Faith and Enlightenment Charles Hartshorne (University of Texas) Response by Richard Rorty 3. America and the Contestations of Modernity: Bentley, Dewey, Rorty Thelma Z. Lavine (George Mason University) 4. American Pragmatism: The Conflict of Narratives Richard Bernstein (New School for Social Research) Response to Lavine and Bernstein by Richard Rorty 5. What is the Legacy of Instrumentalism? Rorty's Interpretation of Dewey James Gouinlock (Emory University) Response by Richard Rorty 6. Pragmatism as Naturalized Hegelianism: Overcoming Transcendental Philosophy? Allen Hance (University of Illinois) Response by Richard Rorty 7. Vulgar Pragmatism: An Unedifying Prospect Susan Haack (University of Miami) Response by Richard Rorty 8. Rorty and Antirealism Frank B. Farrell (SUNY Purchase) Response by Richard Rorty 9. Philosophy and the Future Richard Rorty Notes A Bibliography of Publications by Richard RortyMarc Notes: Each article includes a response by R. Rorty.; Includes bibliographical references (p. [231]-244) and index. Publisher Marketing: Richard Rorty is a philosopher who has been taken seriously in fields and disciplines far beyond his own. He challenges established forms of philosophical inquiry, particularly epistemology and metaphysics, jettisoning philosophical claims to unchanging truth and to scientific accuracy. His view that philosophy is pragmatic, interpretive, and historicist has brought him both accolades and criticism. In Rorty and Pragmatism, this highly influential and sometimes controversial philosopher responds to several of his most prominent critics, representing a wide range of backgrounds and concerns. Each of these critical challenges raises significant questions about Rorty's philosophical outlook. Whether or not one agrees with all of his positions, his replies are consequential. They provide insight into Rorty's thought, its development, and his sense of the future of philosophy. They further the discussion of the role of philosophy and of its contributions to society.

Contributor Bio:  Rorty, Richard Richard Rorty is Professor of Comparative Literature, Emeritus, at Stanford University. Contributor Bio:  Saatkamp, Herman J, Jr. Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr., is Head of the Department of Philosophy and Humanities at Texas A&M University.