Cambridge University Press On Philosophy and Philosophers: Unpublished Papers, 1960–2000

Product Description On Philosophy and Philosophers is a volume of unpublished philosophical papers by Richard Rorty, a central figure in late-twentieth-century intellectual debates and a primary force behind the resurgence of American pragmatism. The first collection of new work to appear since his death in 2007, these previously unseen papers advance novel views on metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, philosophical semantics and the social role of philosophy, critically engaging canonical and contemporary figures from Plato and Kant to Kripke and Brandom. This book's diverse offerings, which include technical essays written for specialists and popular lectures, refine our understanding of Rorty's perspective and demonstrate the ongoing relevance of the iconoclastic American philosopher's ground-breaking thought. An introduction by the editors highlights the papers' original insights and contributions to contemporary debates. Review 'The Rorty that emerges from these essays is an ardent but not doctrinaire pragmatist and naturalist, who warns about the political dangers inherent in the idealist and anti-naturalist positions, while also seeing the risks of a headlong rush by philosophers into accepting Locke's vision of the philosopher as a follower, not a leader, a mere 'under-labourer, removing some of the Rubbish,' in the wake of 'the incomparable Mr. Newton.' This volume sets a timely example of how a politically engaged philosopher can put hard won expertise to valuable use.' Daniel C. Dennett Book Description On Philosophy and Philosophers is a volume of unpublished papers by Richard Rorty, a central figure in late-twentieth-century philosophy. About the Author Richard Rorty (1931–2007) was Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Literature at Stanford University, California.W. P. Małecki is Assistant Professor of Literary Theory at the University of Wrocław, Poland.Chris Voparil teaches political theory and philosophy at Union Institute & University, Cincinnati.