Richard Rorty was an American philosopher known for his contributions to pragmatism and his critique of traditional philosophy. Born in 1931, he emphasized the importance of language and culture in shaping human experience. Rorty argued that philosophy should focus on practical issues rather than abstract theories, promoting a more flexible approach to knowledge. Rorty's most influential works include Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature and Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity. He believed that truth is not an objective reality but rather a product of social practices and conversations. His ideas have sparked discussions in various fields, including literary theory and political philosophy.