This collection explores the philosophical implications of pragmatism as articulated by Richard Rorty during a pivotal period of his intellectual development. Rorty, a prominent American philosopher, examines the consequences of adopting a pragmatic worldview, challenging traditional notions of truth, knowledge, and objectivity. The essays, written between 1972 and 1980, trace his engagement with figures like Dewey, Quine, and Sellars, laying the groundwork for his later influential work on neo-pragmatism and the critique of representationalism. This volume offers insight into Rorty's evolving thought on the nature of philosophical inquiry and its relation to social and political concerns.

This collection is regarded as a significant contribution to understanding Richard Rorty's philosophical trajectory, offering a concentrated look at his formative ideas on pragmatism. The essays are noted for their rigorous engagement with philosophical traditions and their clear articulation of Rorty's distinctive approach to epistemology and metaphysics. Scholars often cite this period as crucial for the development of his later, more widely known, neo-pragmatist theories. The volume provides a valuable resource for those seeking to grasp the intellectual underpinnings of Rorty's influential critique of philosophy.