In recent years, 'post-philosophy', 'post-analytic philosophy', 'post-modern philosophy' and 'post-Nietzschean philosophy' have been used to describe the contemporary American philosophy scene, in which Richard Rorty's "Neo-Pragmatism" figures prominently. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with this recent development in American philosophy and its 'continental philosophy connection'. Due to the limitation of time, we will concentrate on certain aspects of Rorty's philosophy; however, works by a number of other post-analytic philosophers will also be studied.  

Students are required to attend classes regularly, study the required reading materials, participate in class discussions, and make scheduled presentations in class. There will be a term paper, no less than 5000 words (in Chinese), to be turned in no later than Jan. 15th, 1993. The term paper does not have to make any original contribution to the field; yet it should be a well-written, clear exposition of selected article(s) or book(s). You must have your choice of topic approved by the instructor by Nov. 18 before you start writing. Collaboration on this project is permissible but restricted to two persons in each team.  

Rorty: Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity, Consequences of Pragmatism, Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature, Philosophical Papers I & II. 

Besides Rorty's works , various articles will be selected from mainly the following books:  

• Rajchman, John and Cornel West, eds. Post-Analytic Philosophy. 
• Baynes, Kenneth, et. al. eds. After Philosophy: End or Transformation? 
• Murphy, John. Pragmatism: From Peirce to Davidson. 
• Hiley, David, et. al. eds. The Interpretive Turn: Philosophy, Science, Culture.