English
English

Department of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Chair of Moral and Political Philosophy

Ethics and Political Philosophy: Theory and Practice

Moral and political philosophy is concerned with fundamental questions relating to human life and coexistence. Sub-fields of moral and political philosophy – ethics, political philosophy, and legal and social philosophy – analyse and discuss, amongst other things, norms and values, rights and duties, and their significance for responsible action and the just organisation of societies. Building on a long history of normative reflection, moral and political philosophy thus also contributes to ethical guidance and practical decision-making in the face of current ethical challenges in today’s complex, globalised world.

The team in the Department of Moral and Political Philosophy at Witten/Herdecke University is dedicated, in both research and teaching, to the theoretical and methodological foundations of moral and political philosophy, as well as its practical relevance in the face of current challenges in the fields of society and culture, politics and economics, science and technology.

Our work is characterised by an interdisciplinary approach, a global perspective and cooperation with national and international partner institutions.

Research

The team’s main research specialisations include, amongst others,

  • Theories of equality and justice
  • Structural injustice and responsibility
  • Climate justice
  • Critical philosophy of race
  • Philosophy of human rights
  • Moral Progress
  • Ethics of new technologies, including artificial intelligence
  • Conflicts and Peace
  • Intercultural Philosophy
  • Public health ethics, medical ethics
  • Methods of ethical decision-making in practice

Teaching

In terms of teaching, we offer courses in areas including

  • Fundamentals, theories and methods of moral and political philosophy,
  • classical and contemporary works in moral philosophy, political philosophy, cultural and social philosophy, as well as
  • Current ethical challenges, for example in the areas of social justice, health, the environment, climate, migration, the economy, globalisation and human rights.

 

The weekly ‘Research Lab: Moral and Political Philosophy’ takes place on Mondays at 5 pm during the lecture period. It provides a forum for discussing work in progress, for joint engagement with current research literature (journal club) and for dialogue with renowned Visiting Scholars. If you are interested in taking part, please contact jan-christoph.heilinger@uni-wh.de.

The team at the Chair of Moral and Political Philosophy

PhD students

  • Teuta Cilic
  • Karim Jöst
  • Franziska Max
  • Ian van der Walt