Postmodern Philosophy in Rorty's Thought

Abstract

This research aims to study Rorty's postmodern philosophy by examining the foundations of the modernist project. It begins by addressing modernity as a project based on trust in reason and its ability to attain truth. The research then explores how modern and contemporary intellectual shifts have challenged this foundational ambition, paving the way for postmodern thought, which re-examines the concepts of reason, truth, objectivity, self, and system. In this context, the research examines Rorty's position as a prominent representative of neo-pragmatism, where he criticizes the representational view that makes reason and language a mirror reflecting reality. The research also discusses Rorty's non-foundationalism, which rejects the search for first principles or certain foundations of knowledge. It then addresses non-essentialism as a consequence of Rorty's rejection of the idea of ​​fixed essences. Finally, it explores his non-representational stance, which rejects considering knowledge or language as a neutral representation corresponding to reality, replacing the idea of ​​correspondence with concepts of justification, practice, and dialogue. The research concludes that three fundamental characteristics Postmodern thought is characterized by: non-foundationalism, non-essentialism, and non-representation, revealing the shift of thought from the search for certainty and essence to multiplicity and historicity.