Mark C. Taylor is the Chair of the Department of Religion. A leading figure in debates about post-modernism, Taylor has written on topics ranging from philosophy, religion, literature, art and architecture to education, media, science, technology and economics.

Taylor received a Doktorgrad (Philosophy) from the University of Copenhagen in 1981, a Ph.D. in religion from Harvard in 1973, and a B.A. from Wesleyan University in 1968. The many awards and honors he has received include: Wesleyan University Distinguished Alumnus Award (1998), Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Professor of the year (1995), Rektor’s Medal, University of Helsinki (1993), American Academy of Religion Awards for Excellence for his books "Nots" (1994) and "Altarity" (1998), and "Guggenheim" Fellowship (1979-80).

His many books include: Journeys to Selfhood: Hegel and Kierkegaard (1980), Erring: A Postmodern A/Theology (1984), Disfiguring: Art, Architecture, Religion (1994), Hiding (1997), About Religion: Economies of Faith in Virtual Culture (1999), The Moment of Complexity: Emerging Network Culture (2001), Confidence Games: Money and Markets in a World Without Redemption (2006), Mystic Bones (2007), and After God (2007). In addition to his writing, Taylor has produced a CD-ROM, Motel Real: Las Vegas, Nevada, and has had an exhibition of the artwork accompanying his book, Grave Matters, at the Mass MOCA. Over the years Taylor has also played a major role in introducing new technologies to the classroom. In 1998, he co-founded a company named Global Education Network, whose mission was to introduce high-quality online education in the arts, sciences and humanities to anyone, anywhere in the world.

Beyond his scholarly work, Taylor contributes to the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and other periodicals.