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Taylor and Politics: A Critical Introduction

Craig Browne and Andrew P. Lynch

Charles Taylor is one of the most influential contemporary philosophers, arguably the most important living political philosopher writing in English. Taylor and Politics assesses Taylor’s thought and ... More

Charles Taylor is one of the most influential contemporary philosophers, arguably the most important living political philosopher writing in English. Taylor and Politics assesses Taylor’s thought and its relevance to contemporary political challenges, especially religion and secularity, multicultural diversity, political alienation and demands for greater democracy. This book outlines Taylor’s key concepts and highlights the substantive applications of his ideas. Taylor’s biography and education, and his forays into politics in Canada, is discussed, to provide context for the development of his ideas. Taylor’s interest in romanticism’s impact on our understanding of modernity is examined, as well as his contribution to how democracy is being understood in current times, especially against the backdrop of social groups seeking greater recognition in the political sphere. The book explores the substantial differences between Taylor’s conception of social imaginaries and that of Cornelius Castoriadis, and contrasts Taylor’s account of the political form of modernity with that of Claude Lefort. Furthermore, the book examines Taylor’s contribution to debates about religion and secularism, providing an explanation of Taylor’s important book on this subject, A Secular Age, and assessing the debates that the book has generated. Finally, the book explores Taylor’s work after ASecular Age, particularly his discussions on religious freedom, diversity and multiculturalism in Quebec, Canada, and the central role of language in social and political debate.Less