Philosophy in an Age of Pluralism: The Philosophy of Charles Taylor in Question

This is the first comprehensive evaluation of Charles Taylor’s work and a major contribution to leading questions in philosophy and the human sciences as they face an increasingly pluralistic age. Charles Taylor is one of the most influential contemporary moral and political philosophers: in an era of specialisation he is one of the few thinkers who has developed a comprehensive philosophy which speaks to the conditions of the modern world in a way that is compelling to specialists in various disciplines. This collection of specially commissioned essays brings together twelve distinguished scholars from a variety of fields to discuss critically Taylor’s work. The topics range from the history of philosophy, to truth, modernity and postmodernity, theism, interpretation, the human sciences, liberalism, pluralism and difference. Taylor responds to all the contributions and re-articulates his own views.

• All star international team of contributors, including some major names, e.g. Richard Rorty, Quentin Skinner • Essays to honour leading philosopher: Charles Taylor • Major contribution to the history of ideas, addressing leading questions in modern philosophical thinking

Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction Sir Isaiah Berlin; Part I: Foundations: 1. Internal and external in the work of Descartes Susan James; 2. Taylor on truth Richard Rorty; Part II. Interpreting Modernity: 3. Modernity and disenchantment: some historical reflections Quentin Skinner; 4. Religion, history and moral discourse Michael Morgan; 5. The risks and responsibilities of affirming ordinary life Jean Bethke Elshtain; Part III. Natural and Human Sciences: 6. The strange estrangement: Taylor and the natural sciences Clifford Geertz; 7. Is there an objective spirit? Vincent Descombes, translated by Daniel Weinstock; Part IV. Philosophy in Practice: 8. Literature: Romantic expression or strategic interaction? Mette Hjort; 9. The role of articulation in understanding practice and experience as sources of knowledge in clinical nursing Patricia Benner; Part V. Ethics, Politics and Pluralism: 10. Rights and pluralism Richard Tuck; 11. The political theory of strong evaluation Daniel M. Weinstock; 12. Philosophy and political judgement in a multinational federation Guy Laforest; Part VI. Reply and Re-Articulation: Charles Taylor replies; Bibliography of the works of Charles Taylor; Index.