James E. Taylor

James E. Taylor

Professor of Philosophy
Department Chair
Phone: (805) 565-6157
Email: taylor@westmont.edu
Office Location: Porter Center 8

Office Hours
Monday: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Thursday: 9:30-10:30 p.m.
Friday: 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Specialization
Epistemology, Philosophy of Language, Christian Apologetics

Jim grew up in Oregon, Washington, and California and graduated from Westmont College (B.A., Philosophy), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.A., Theology), and the University of Arizona (M.A. & Ph.D., Philosophy). Before coming to Westmont in January, 1994, he taught at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

He is married to Jennifer, and they have three children.

Research Interests

  • Christian Apologetics
  • Epistemology
  • History of Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophy of Religion

Awards

  • Teacher of the Year, Humanities Division, Westmont College, 1997

Selected Publications

  • “Hume on Miracles: Interpretation and Criticism,” Philosophy Compass 2/4 (2007): 611–624.
  • Introducing Apologetics: Cultivating Christian Commitment, (Baker Academic, 2006).
  • “The Value of Epistemology: A Defense,” Philosophical Papers, 28 (1999) 169-185.
  • “Plantinga on Epistemic Warrant,” Philosophy and Phenomenological Research: 55, (1995) 421-426.
  • “Scepticism and the Nature of Knowledge,” Philosophia, 22:1 (1993).
  • “Conceptual Analysis and the Essence of Knowledge,” American Philosophical Quarterly, 30 (1993).
  • “Plantinga’s Proper Functioning Analysis of Epistemic Warrant,” Philosophical Studies, 62 (1991).
  • “Epistemic Justification and Psychological Realism,” Synthese, 85 (1990).

Courses Taught at Westmont

  • Philosophical Perspectives
  • Christian Apologetics
  • Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Epistemology