12/4 Bernstein, 197-231

Theme: Praxis: Rorty and Arendt

1. What is Rorty’s critique of the attempt made in traditional philosophy to find a foundation? How does this shape the manner in which he conducts philosophical inquiry and his views about the purpose of philosophy?

2. For Arendt, what is action and what does it have to do with political debate and persuasion? What distinguishes action from work and labor?

3. Opinion and judgment are central concepts for Arendt. How does she define these concepts? What role does representing the views of others play in them?