Jan-Willem van der Rijt

Jan-Willem van der Rijt is an Associate Professor at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University, specializing in political philosophy, normative ethics, and Kantian approaches. His work bridges philosophical inquiry with strategic interaction and democratic theory.

• Research focuses on human dignity, self-respect, well-being, and the ethical implications of AI chatbots
• Co-edited a volume on Focal Points in Negotiation, applying game theory to political coalition formation
• Key contributions include analyses of Kant's moral theory and neo-Roman republicanism in contemporary contexts

Recent publications address AI ethics, retributive justice, and the moral tensions between admiration and self-respect. His articles frequently intersect political philosophy and practical applications.

Teaching includes introductory courses in political philosophy and ethics, alongside advanced seminars on related topics.