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Contends that Richard Rorty's Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature (1979) is one of the most significant events in recent American philosophy. Rorty's critique of reason & disinterested thought is described as "an effective apology for legal realism of the left (Critical Legal Studies) & of the right (Law & Economics)." An examination of Rorty's "social theory" suggests that it is only superficially Rawlsian. Attention is given to his arguments that the experience of pain is the basis for human solidarity & that ideal society is maintained by the belief that everyone should have an opportunity for self-creation. Rorty's unique brand of secular humanism is explored & excerpts from his work are used to show that Freud provides the needed link between Rorty's "profound materialism & his guarded humanism." Rorty is described as both a liberal & a romantic whose optimism about human progress enhances his secularism. Although he sees faith as a valuable part of one's life, he believes religion brings trouble when it is introduced into the public sphere. Rorty's avoidance of the issue of power is discussed. J. Lindroth