Pragmatism as anti-authoritarianism

influential outside philosophy under the label "neopragmatism". Over the decades, Rorty has constantly expanded and refined his version of pragmatism, including in legendary lectures at the University of Girona. They form the core of this book, which offers nothing less than the final version of Rorty's late philosophy.

At its centre is the concept of anti-authoritarianism, which Rorty identifies as the main impulse of his thought. There is no authority that dictates what is true and right. There is only us and our opinions, ideas and traditions. Good ideas can be recognised by the fact that they contribute to the good of all. And in order to determine what that good is, you have to look at what others think and want, and be willing to revise your own views. Anti-authoritarianism, as Rorty understands it, starts with each individual. Its currency is trust, its medium is conversation, its goal is emancipation. This is the political message of pragmatism as anti-authoritarianism.