Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature (1979) by Richard Rorty critiques the traditional view in epistemology that knowledge reflects an objective reality, a notion he labels “correspondence theory.” Rorty traces this idea back to Descartes and argues that knowledge consists of metaphors, which we falsely assign a truth value. He claims that instead of seeking definitive definitions or vocabularies, philosophers should assess the pragmatic outcomes of knowledge-making, prioritizing beliefs that serve human interests. Rorty critiques the goals of modern epistemology, asserting that the notion of an "end" to science and inevitable human progress is misguided. He highlights the social nature of knowledge, referencing Quine and Sellars, and introduces the concept of "normative discourse," which reflects how knowledge is shaped by historical paradigms. He contrasts this with "abnormal discourse," which exists outside established norms. While Rorty’s ideas are often seen as relativistic, he emphasizes that not all knowledge is equally valid; he values knowledge that acknowledges the limits of understanding. His work has significant implications for contemporary debates in various fields, including philosophy, social sciences, and literary analysis.
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