Charles Taylor Meaning, Morals and Modernity

by Smith, Nicholas H.

• ISBN13: 9780745615769
• ISBN10: 0745615767
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-02-15
• Publisher: Polity

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Nicholas H. Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Macquarie University, Sydney

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	viii
List of Abbreviations	ix
Introduction	1	(17)
Linguistic Philosophy and Phenomenology	18	(17)
Science, Action and the Mind	35	(23)
The Romantic Legacy	58	(29)
The Self and the Good	87	(33)
Interpretation and the Social Sciences	120	(19)
Individual and Community	139	(33)
Politics and Social Criticism	172	(27)
Modernity, Art and Religion	199	(38)
Conclusion	237	(6)
Notes	243	(19)
Bibliography	262	(13)
Index	275