Paul C. Taylor

Paul Christopher Taylor (born September 19, 1967) is an American philosopher, author, and academic who has made significant contributions to the fields of race theory, aesthetics, pragmatism, social and political philosophy, and Africana philosophy. He previously served as the W. Alton Jones Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University before moving to UCLA in 2023. Earlier in his career, he taught philosophy and African American studies at Pennsylvania State University. Taylor earned his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College and pursued graduate studies at both the Harvard Kennedy School and Rutgers University. His scholarly work has been recognized with accolades such as the American Society for Aesthetics Outstanding Monograph Prize in 2017 for his book *Black Is Beautiful: A Philosophy of Black Aesthetics*. Taylor's research delves into complex concepts of race, identity, and culture, examining their intersections with art and social justice. He has authored three monographs, edited two collections of essays, and published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. His books, including *Race: A Philosophical Introduction* and *On Obama*, offer critical analyses of contemporary social and political issues through a philosophical lens. He is a prominent voice in the philosophy of race and aesthetics, engaging with historical and contemporary debates on black identity and representation.