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Rorty’s Cruelty, Solidarity, and Liberal Hope

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Jun 17, 2025
Explore Richard Rorty's views on the fluid nature of solidarity, shaped by our connection to others’ narratives and pain. Discover how literature, from Nabokov's chilling insights to Orwell’s stark dystopia, reflects our moral complexities. The discussion critiques Rorty’s ideals against the backdrop of current societal divides, questioning whether his vision of a kinder world is still attainable. Delve into the interplay of language, identity, and community, as we challenge existing vocabularies and expand our understanding of 'we'.
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ANECDOTE

Nabokov's Narratives Reveal Cruelty

  • Nabokov's novels reveal cruelty by showing inattention to others' pain through vivid narratives.
  • His literary focus on 'tingles' evokes aesthetic bliss that sparks moral empathy and imagination.
ANECDOTE

O'Brien's Cruelty Exposes Fragile Hope

  • Orwell's 1984 portrays O'Brien, an intelligent torturer who uses empathy to break victims.
  • This illustrates how cruelty hijacks gifted minds depending on historical contingencies, threatening liberal hope.
ANECDOTE

Narratives Expand Our Solidarity

  • Solidarity grows by expanding "us" through narratives that make others' suffering relatable.
  • Stories like Uncle Tom's Cabin help dissolve differences by humanizing marginalized groups.
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