Charles Taylor

Charles Taylor is one of the most influential and prolific philosophers in the English-speaking world. The breadth of his writings is unique, ranging from reflections on artificial intelligence to analyses of contemporary multicultural societies and the role of religion in modern western societies.

In this thought-provoking introduction to Taylor’s work, Ruth Abbey outlines his ideas in a coherent and accessible way without unduly reducing their richness and depth. Taylor’s reflections on the topics of epistemology, language, moral theory, selfhood, political theory, and religion form the core six chapters within the book. Retaining the thematic approach of the first edition, this second edition has been thoroughly revised, rewritten, and restructured.

An ideal companion to Taylor’s ideas and arguments, Charles Taylor is essential reading for students of philosophy, religion, and political theory, and will be welcomed by the non-specialist looking for an authoritative guide to Taylor’s large and challenging body of work.

Author Biography

Ruth Abbey is Professor and Chair of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Swinburne University in Australia. She is the author of Nietzsche’s Middle Period; The Return of Feminist Liberalism; and Human All Too Human: A Critical Introduction and Guide. She is the editor of Contemporary Philosophy in Focus: Charles Taylor; Feminist Interpretations of John Rawls; and Cosmopolitan Civility. She has published a number of articles and book chapters on topics ranging from contemporary liberalism to conceptions of marriage to animal ethics.