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

Essays by an international team of scholars who engage with the philosophical work of Charles Taylor.

James Tully (Edited by), Daniel M. Weinstock (Edited by)

9780521437424, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 24 November 1994

292 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 2.1 cm, 0.475 kg

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA]