Cryptocurrency isn’t backed by precious metals or the guarantees of the state. Does it matter? This question of foundations was a major concern for the philosopher Richard Rorty. He sought a new direction for philosophy, away from the belief that the truth of statements could only be judged by how well they correspond to a mind-independent reality. Rather, he saw philosophy — and social thought in general — as simply conversations we hold with each other as we invent new forms of shared under...

Cryptocurrency isn’t backed by precious metals or the guarantees of the state. Does it matter? This question of foundations was a major concern for the philosopher Richard Rorty. He sought a new direction for philosophy, away from the belief that the truth of statements could only be judged by how well they correspond to a mind-independent reality. Rather, he saw philosophy — and social thought in general — as simply conversations we hold with each other as we invent new forms of shared under...