Charles Taylor’s work has earned him a place among the world’s most original thinkers. Professor emeritus of philosophy at McGill University and the first recipient of a SSHRC Gold Medal for Research Achievement in 2003, Taylor is best known for his seminal work on individual rights and collective responsibility. He is a champion for a more engaged form of democracy—one that centres on citizens’ participation.

Recently, Taylor has applied his knowledge to racial and religious issues facing Quebec. He has completed pioneering work with the Consultation Commission on Accommodation Practices Related to Cultural Differences— better known as the Bouchard-Taylor commission. The commission examined the challenges of integrating highly skilled immigrants into the Quebec workforce, the dangers associated with the perpetuation of cultural stereotypes, and the best ways to accommodate diverse religions in schools and other public institutions.

Charles Taylor, philosophy, McGill University