This book examines Richard Rorty's pragmatist philosophy for thinking about the aims and processes of liberal education. Offering a radical re-interpretation of the philosopher's arguments against metaphysics, the author demonstrates how Rorty's thinking may be re-envisioned to take greater account of today's multicultural society. Re-examining Rorty's pragmatist arguments against metaphysics in the historical context of democratic liberal education, the book documents how Rorty contributes to the tradition of democratic liberal education through "conversational edification" - the educational and philosophical practice of developing one's selfhood through conversation with others. It offers a controversial re-reading of the principle aims and reforms of a Rortyan education prompted by the multicultural direction of American society, and demonstrates how Rorty's contribution to liberal education can deepen its pragmatist roots, while reconciling perennial conflicts between educators on the right and left.

This book examines Richard Rorty's pragmatist philosophy for thinking about the aims and processes of liberal education. Offering a radical re-interpretation of the philosopher's arguments against metaphysics, the author demonstrates how Rorty's thinking may be re-envisioned to take greater account of today's multicultural society. Re-examining Rorty's pragmatist arguments against metaphysics in the historical context of democratic liberal education, the book documents how Rorty contributes to the tradition of democratic liberal education through "conversational edification" - the educational and philosophical practice of developing one's selfhood through conversation with others. It offers a controversial re-reading of the principle aims and reforms of a Rortyan education prompted by the multicultural direction of American society, and demonstrates how Rorty's contribution to liberal education can deepen its pragmatist roots, while reconciling perennial conflicts between educators on the right and left.

"The road less traveled never had so many bumps." Jamie Sutherland never expects to connect with her sexy-as-sin neighbor, Joseph Scarbrough, especially after all the failed relationships she's suffered. Not only does she find out he's not quite "the player" she believed him to be, but that his heart bears scars much deeper than her own. Ready to take a chance on this unlikely match, she eagerly awaits their upcoming date and hopes that Joseph is the very companion she's been waiting for all her life. Time and time again, the comical sporadic encounters resume in their loft apartment complex and Joseph eventually reveals that he is the building superintendent in a very unforgettable, Lucky-in-the-Diet-Coke-commercial fashion. While he's proficient in fixing Jamie's clogged sink, he's not all that great at leaving his past behind. When Caroline, his yuppy ex-girlfriend, makes another surprise visit, Jamie's road to something better gets a little rocky. Will Joseph choose the familiar woman with whom he had a history, or the loyal friend who's given him a future?

Jamie Sutherland, coffee shop owner and serial ruined-relationship survivor, moves into a beautiful loft apartment for a change of scenery. What she doesn't plan on getting is an eye-full of her handsome next-door neighbor-in nothing but a towel-arguing with his significant other in the hallway. Joseph Scarbrough's world crashes down on him one cruel morning when his childhood sweetheart rips his heart out of his chest and walks away. His humiliation isn't complete until he turns around to pick up the pieces and sees a beautiful brunette who just witnessed his Dear John moment. Caught in an awkward situation, the two backpedal into their separate worlds. But fate seems determined to make their worlds collide on a regular basis. Is it destiny just being clumsy when it comes to the two unlikely neighbors or is it the start of something good?