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Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature,Used
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Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature hit the philosophical world like a bombshell. Richard Rorty, a Princeton professor who had contributed to the analytic tradition in philosophy, was now attempting to shrug off all the central problems with which it had long been preoccupied. After publication, the Press was barely able to keep up with demand, and the book has since gone on to become one of its alltime bestsellers in philosophy.Rorty argued that, beginning in the seventeenth century, philosophers developed an unhealthy obsession with the notion of representation. They compared the mind to a mirror that reflects reality. In their view, knowledge is concerned with the accuracy of these reflections, and the strategy employed to obtain this knowledgethat of inspecting, repairing, and polishing the mirrorbelongs to philosophy. Rorty's book was a powerful critique of this imagery and the tradition of thought that it spawned. He argued that the questions about truth posed by Descartes, Kant, Hegel, and modern epistemologists and philosophers of language simply couldnt be answered and were, in any case, irrelevant to serious social and cultural inquiry. This stance provoked a barrage of criticism, but whatever the strengths of Rortys specific claims, the book had a therapeutic effect on philosophy. It reenergized pragmatism as an intellectual force, steered philosophy back to its roots in the humanities, and helped to make alternatives to analytic philosophy a serious choice for young graduate students. Twentyfive years later, the book remains a mustread for anyone seriously concerned about the nature of philosophical inquiry and what philosophers can and cannot do to help us understand and improve the world.
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- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has four hundred twenty-four pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of philosophy and its critiques.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and portable for easy reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures five point five one inches in length, one inch in width, and eight point five inches in height.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature'? A: The author is Richard Rorty. He was a prominent philosopher known for his contributions to pragmatism.
- Q: What is the main theme of this book? A: The main theme critiques the traditional notion of representation in philosophy. Rorty argues for a focus on social and cultural inquiry.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in philosophy? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. It presents complex ideas in an accessible manner while challenging traditional views.
- Q: What is the recommended reading level for this book? A: This book is recommended for readers with an interest in philosophy. It's suitable for both students and general readers.
- Q: How should I care for this book to keep it in good condition? A: To keep the book in good condition, store it in a dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. Handle it gently to prevent wear.
- Q: Is this book safe for young readers? A: While the book is not specifically aimed at children, it contains advanced philosophical concepts. Parental guidance is recommended for younger readers.
- Q: Can I return this book if I'm not satisfied? A: Yes, you can return the book if you're not satisfied. Please check the return policy of the seller for specific details.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller immediately. They will provide instructions on how to return or exchange the item.
- Q: Does this book come with a warranty? A: No, this book does not come with a warranty. However, it is backed by the seller's return policy.
- Q: How does this book compare to other philosophy texts? A: This book stands out for its critique of representation in philosophy. It offers a different perspective compared to traditional analytic texts.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for graduate students? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for graduate students. It reenergizes pragmatism and challenges conventional philosophical thought.
- Q: What kind of impact did this book have on philosophy? A: This book had a significant impact on philosophy by reviving pragmatism and encouraging alternatives to analytic philosophy.