Description
Book SynopsisThe 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 Taylora s work. It succinctly reconstructs the ambitious philosophical project that unifies Taylora s diverse writings.
Trade Review"It is a good introduction to the themes and debates that have invigorated much of both analytic and continental philosophy over the last fifty years."
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
Table of ContentsAbbreviations.
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