Philosophy in an Age of Pluralism

by Taylor, Charles; Tully, James; Weinstock, Daniel M.

• ISBN13: 9780521437424
• ISBN10: 0521437423
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1994-12-01
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

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.

Author Biography

James Tully is Professor of Philosophy at McGill University. He has published extensively in political philosophy and the history of political thought, including Pufendorf: on the duty of man and citizen (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought), and most recently, An approach to political philosophy: John Locke in context (1993). He gave the Sir John Seeley distinguished lectures at the University of Cambridge in 1994.

Table of Contents

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.