For more than three decades Charles Taylor has been at the forefront of debates within political philosophy. Outlined here is Taylor's distinctive method of philosophical interpretation; its application to the concepts of modernity, freedom, and community; and an overall assessment of Taylor's contribution to political theory and to the theory and practice of democracy. Taylor's major works are sympathetically expounded upon, assessed, and situated in the context of his engagement with thinkers including Isaiah Berlin, John Rawls, and Michel Foucault. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.