Charles Taylor
Meaning, Morals and Modernity
Key Contemporary Thinkers
1. Edition December 2001
296 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
The Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor is a key figure in
contemporary debates about the self and the problems of modernity.
This book provides a comprehensive, critical account of Taylor's
work. It succinctly reconstructs the ambitious philosophical
project that unifies Taylor's diverse writings. And it examines in
detail Taylor's specific claims about the structure of the human
sciences; the link between identity, language, and moral values;
democracy and multiculturalism; and the conflict between secular
and non-secular spirituality. The book also includes the first
sustained account of Taylor's career as a social critic and
political activist.
Clearly written and authoritative, this book will be welcomed by
students and researchers in a wide range of disciplines, including
philosophy, psychology, politics, sociology, anthropology, cultural
studies and theology.
Acknowledgements.
Introduction.
1. Linguistic Philosophy and Phenomenology.
2. Science, Action and the Mind.
3. The Romantic Legacy.
4. The Self and the Good.
5. Interpretation and the Social Sciences.
6. Individual and Community.
7. Politics and Social Criticism.
8. Modernity, Art and Religion.
Conclusion.
Notes.
Index
Radical Philosophy
"Nicholas H.Smith's monograph Charles Taylor...puts forward a clear and well-argued assessment of Taylor's entire project, with details on his intellectual biography and political engagement. For the purposes of thinking through Taylor's work so far, this book is probably the best one around...The book is a great help for someone trying to understand Taylor's views on philosophical anthropology and transcendental argumentation...In total, Smith's book is a must for those interested in Taylor's work and a good guide for those who want a reliable, critical overview"
Arto Laitinen, Sats-Nordic Journal of Philosophy
"At a time of resurgent objectivism in social science and political theory, this book's topic presents an exemplary and engaging antidote."
Professor Fred Dallmayr, University of Notre Dame