Franz-Josef Bormann

Professor Franz-Josef Bormann is Chair of Moral Theology at the Faculty of Catholic Theology, University of Tübingen, where he has held a professorship since 2008. His academic career spans decades of dedicated work at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and ethics, with particular emphasis on medical ethics, bioethics, and justice theory. Bormann has held significant positions including serving as managing editor of the Journal for Medical Ethics (ZfmE), member of the German Ethics Council (2016-2024), and member of the Central Ethics Commission at the German Medical Association (2010-2022).

His research interests focus on fundamental questions of justice theory, current conflict fields in medical and bioethics, and philosophical and theological problems of rational moral justification. Bormann's scholarly work demonstrates a consistent engagement with the intersection of Catholic moral theology and contemporary ethical challenges, particularly in the fields of end-of-life ethics, reproductive technologies, and social justice.

Bormann's recent publications reveal a strong focus on contemporary ethical debates including euthanasia, assisted suicide, migration ethics, digital transformation ethics, and the moral implications of the Ukraine war. His work consistently applies Catholic moral theology to contemporary social and medical issues while engaging deeply with philosophical traditions, particularly Thomistic natural law theory and contemporary philosophical ethics.

• Managing Editor, Journal for Medical Ethics (ZfmE)
• Member, German Ethics Council (2016-2024)
• Member, Central Ethics Commission at the German Medical Association (2010-2022)
• Member, Ethics Council of the Archdiocese of Paderborn
• Advisor to the German Bishops' Conference (Subcommittee on Bioethics)

Bormann has made significant contributions to moral theology through his numerous monographs, edited volumes, and over 100 scholarly articles. His work demonstrates deep engagement with both classical theological sources and contemporary philosophical discourse, particularly regarding John Rawls' theory of justice and its relationship to Catholic social teaching. His scholarship bridges academic theology with practical ethical guidance for healthcare professionals and policymakers.