Philosopher's Zone
Richard Rorty and America
Dec 27, 2023
Richard Rorty, American philosopher and author, accurately predicted the rise of a Trump-like figure in the USA. The podcast explores Rorty's views on identity politics, economic disparity, patriotism, and the challenges facing American democracy. His nuanced approach challenges assumptions from both the left and right, providing valuable insights into the state of American politics and culture.
35:47
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Quick takeaways
- Richard Rorty accurately predicted the rise of a Trump-like figure in American politics and the backlash against marginalized groups.
- Rorty criticized the focus on stigma and humiliation in identity politics, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding trust and solidarity among fractured communities.
Deep dives
Rorty's Prophetic Predictions About American Politics
Richard Rorty's book of essays, Achieving Our Country, published in 1998, made accurate predictions about the current state of American politics. Rorty predicted the rise of a Trump-like figure, a strong man leader, and the backlash against gains made by marginalized groups. He argued that a shift in focus from improving laws and public policies to changing culture had negative consequences, such as the increase in economic inequality. His predictions during a time of post-1960s US were remarkably prophetic and shed light on the challenges to democracy and social equality faced by Americans today.
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