Pragmatism and Religion: An Anti-Authoritarian View

Richard Rorty's approach to pragmatism highlights a critical engagement with the concept of authority, particularly in the context of religion. He argues against the notion that individuals should seek understanding or guidance from external, non-human authorities, like God or abstract truths, suggesting instead that authority should originate from human experience and the collective discursive process. This perspective posits that our understanding of religion should empower individual flourishing and facilitate democratic engagement, rather than subservience to dogma. Rorty's goal is to advocate for a pragmatic approach that fosters human autonomy and a communal sense of responsibility towards each other’s moral and ethical growth.