Hope, Literature, and Romanticism: The Political Philosophy of Richard Rorty

Date
2016-10
Authors
Speirs, Jeffrey Charles
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Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina
Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the political philosophy of Richard Rorty, and to examine the three main pillars of his liberal thought: hope, romanticism, and literature. These concepts are central to Rorty’s political philosophy because they are necessary to create an ideal future. In the first chapter, I describe Rorty’s reconceptualization of the political spectrum. He proposes that we abandon the traditional, value neutral political spectrum and replace it with one that assigns value to political perspectives that produce hope in the future and encourage political participation. In the second chapter, I examine the philosophical and ideological underpinnings of the progressive political perspective that Rorty espouses. He advocates for a shift toward literary thinking and rhetoric from the insistence upon scientific, philosophical, and logical thinking. He believes we should embrace the ideals of Romanticism and literature as the model of progress, and that it is the most cacophonic way to effect change. In the third chapter, I examine the salient features of Romanticism and the emphasis on literary truth. I also put forward what I think are problematic aspects of Romanticism that Rorty ignores, and that the excessively individualistic ethos it promotes is not necessarily a model we ought to emulate. In the conclusion I put forth my criticisms of Rorty’s political philosophy, and describe how his ideas can be applied to Canada. I also compare and contrast his approach to identity and politics with those of prominent Canadian thinkers to see what kind of impact or change Rorty’s political philosophy can bring.

Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Social and Political Thought, University of Regina. 103 p.
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