Alexander Fischer

Dr. Alexander Fischer is a research associate at the Chair of Philosophy II and the transdisciplinary Institute Humans & Aesthetics (IMAE) at the University of Bamberg and Coburg University of Applied Sciences. He returned to Bamberg in 2024 after pursuing postdoctoral studies at the University of Basel. He has held academic positions at multiple international institutions including Duke University, University of Cambridge, Bond University, and University of Notre Dame.

His educational background includes:

• Magister Artium in German, Philosophy, Communication Studies, and History from Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg (2012)
• Studies in Psychology at Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg
• Master of Arts in Film & Literature from University of Waterloo, Canada (2010)
• Doctorate from University of Bamberg with dissertation "Manipulation: On the Theory and Ethics of a Form of Influence" (2017)

Dr. Fischer's research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields at the intersection of philosophy with psychology, literature, and ethics. His primary focus is on manipulation theory, exploring both its theoretical foundations and ethical implications in democratic societies, therapeutic contexts, and digital environments. He examines how narrative structures shape human understanding and ethical decision-making, with particular attention to emotional manipulation in social media and political discourse. His work bridges continental philosophy with practical applications in psychotherapy and social critique.

His publication record demonstrates a consistent trajectory exploring manipulation across multiple contexts - from political discourse and social media to therapeutic relationships and romantic interactions. This body of work reveals growing interest in the ethical dimensions of influence across various human interactions, with increasing attention to digital environments and their psychological impacts.

As an educator, Dr. Fischer has taught diverse courses including Animal Ethics, Philosophical Perspectives on Gender, Freud and Psychoanalysis, Propaganda: Media, Power & the Self, and Philosophy and Practice of Design at institutions including University of Bamberg, University of Basel, and University of Notre Dame.

Dr. Fischer is also actively involved with the Institute for Humanity & Aesthetics (IMAE), contributing to the development of this transdisciplinary research institute. His dual professional identity as both academic philosopher and practicing psychotherapist uniquely positions him to bridge theoretical insights with practical therapeutic applications.