faculty

James Taylor, Ph.D.

Professor of Philosophy and Department Chair
(805) 565-6157

Office Location

Porter Center Room 8

Office Available

MTTh 3:30pm–4:30pm (Main campus); W 5:00pm–6:00pm (Downtown campus); F 2pm-3pm (Main Campus); & by appointment 

 or  via email: taylor@westmont.edu

Specialization(s)

Epistemology, Philosophy of Religion, Christian Apologetics


Research Interests: Christian Apologetics, Epistemology, History of Philosophy, Philosophy of Education, Philosophy of Religion
 

Biography/Details

Dr. Taylor grew up in Oregon, Washington, and California and graduated from Westmont College with a degree in philosophy. He earned a master’s degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and completed a master’s degree and doctorate in philosophy at the University of Arizona.

He has published three books—Introducing Apologetics: Cultivating Christian Commitment, Learning for Wisdom: Christian Education & the Good Life, and Soul Pilgrimage: Knowing God in Everyday Life (co-authored with his wife Jennifer).

His numerous articles and book chapters include, “The New Atheism and Models of God: The Case of Richard Dawkins,” “The Lewis-Anscombe Debate: A Philosophical Reformulation,” “Physicalism, Dualism, and Resurrection,” and “Hume on Miracles: Interpretation and Criticism.”