Many philosophers have heralded the death of philosophy. Kant claimed responsibility for both its beginning and end, while Heidegger argued it concluded with Nietzsche. In the twentieth century, figures as diverse as John Austin and Richard Rorty have proclaimed philosophy's end, with some even calling for the advent of ""postphilosophy."" Transcending the analytical and continental divide, the death of philosophy is a topic as debated as the death of God. In an effort to make sense of all these conflicting positions-which often say as much about the philosopher as the subject itself-