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The Logical Structure of Richard Rorty's Liberalism

ABE Akira
Abstract:
In this paper I make three points about the logical structure of Rorty's liberalism.

1) Rorty criticizes the traditional philosophical attempt, namely, "the attempt to fuse the public and the private." This requires us to acknowledge a common human nature, which Pragmatists do not think exists. Therefore, Rorty makes the distinction between justice as public rules and private good. He also regards justice as "to be liberal," namely, "avoiding cruelty."

2) "The recognition of contingency" means recognizing that language and self are historical and groundless. Rorty says "such recognition is the chief virtue of the members of a liberal society." By recognizing language and self as contingent, one will have a relative view of oneself and one's own beliefs, and will not eliminate others and their beliefs.

3) Rorty says that, in his liberal utopia, "ironism, in the relevant sense, is universal." "Irony" in his sense is to be skeptical about oneself. He thinks irony is linked with avoiding cruelty as is "recognition of contingency." The justice of liberals can be universalized only by solidarity, namely, by gradually expanding our sympathy with others.


Keywords: Richard Rorty, Liberalism, public-private distinction, contingency, solidarity