Alexander Somek

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alexander Somek is a full-time Professor at the University of Vienna, Faculty of Law, Institute for Legal Philosophy. His work bridges legal philosophy, public law, and European law, with a focus on the relational concept of law, transnational democratic theory, and critiques of practical reason.

• Research Highlights:
  • Developing a relational approach to law rooted in German Idealism and Pittsburgh Pragmatism
  • Exploring the moralization of art in his project 'Morality as Evil'
  • Analyzing ancient constitutionalism and psychoanalysis in 'The Soul and the State'
• Roles:
  • Ombudsperson and Chairman of the Ombudsman's Office for Good Scientific Practice
  • Co-founder of the Discussion Group on Legal Philosophy and Legal Theory
  • Coordinator of the module 'Legal and Political Philosophy'
• Collaborations:
  • Joint projects with Dr. Ulrich Wagrandl (Vienna University of Economics and Business)
  • Active participation in international conferences (e.g., Max Planck Institute Freiburg, LSE, Cambridge)

His research emphasizes the historical and methodological foundations of legal systems, with interests extending to legal gender studies, polemology, and indigenous legal studies.