b. 1932
Richard J. Bernstein (born 1932) is an American philosopher best known for his sustained effort to build dialogue across pragmatism, hermeneutics, and critical theory. His landmark work 'Beyond Objectivism and Relativism' (1983) argues for a 'engaged fallibilistic pluralism' that avoids both relativism and rigid foundationalism. He has taught for decades at the New School for Social Research, producing influential readings of Dewey, Arendt, Habermas, Gadamer, and Rorty.
Developed 'engaged fallibilistic pluralism' as a third way between objectivism and relativism in 'Beyond Objectivism and Relativism' (1983)
Provided a major synthesis of pragmatism, hermeneutics, and Frankfurt School critical theory in American philosophy
Authored 'Radical Evil: A Philosophical Interrogation' (2002), reviving serious philosophical engagement with the problem of evil
Produced influential critical studies of Arendt, Habermas, Gadamer, Dewey, and Rorty as a bridge-builder across Continental and Analytic traditions
Championed phronesis (practical wisdom) as a model for social and political rationality