John Lippitt

John Lippitt is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame Australia, where he is affiliated with the Institute for Ethics and Society, which he directed from 2020 to 2024. He is also Principal Investigator on a major ERC-CZ Research Grant at the University of Pardubice, Czech Republic, focused on combating self-righteousness in the digital age. Previously, he held academic positions at the University of Hertfordshire, UK, where he remains a Visiting Professor.

John Lippitt's educational background includes a BSc (Hons), MLitt, and PhD. His academic journey reflects deep engagement with philosophical theology and ethics, particularly through the lens of Søren Kierkegaard.

His research interests center on the moral psychology of virtues and vices, with a strong emphasis on forgiveness, love, friendship, and Kierkegaard’s thought. He also explores the ethics of policing and the philosophical dimensions of education. His work bridges continental philosophy, religious ethics, and contemporary moral challenges. Lippitt’s research is characterized by its interdisciplinary reach, connecting philosophy with theology, psychology, literature, and public ethics.

The 15 most recent articles highlight a sustained focus on Kierkegaardian ethics, particularly themes of humility, self-righteousness, hope, and forgiveness. The publications span philosophy journals, edited collections, and encyclopedias, demonstrating both scholarly rigor and broad intellectual influence. Subfields include virtue ethics, narrative identity, existential psychology, and digital morality, reflecting a coherent research program grounded in Kierkegaard’s existential insights.

• ERC-CZ Advanced Grant LL2308 (2024–2028) for 'Combatting Self-Righteousness: A Vice of the Digital Age' (AUD$3 million)
• Leverhulme Trust Major Research Fellowship (2018–2020)
• Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK) grants
• British Academy Research Grant
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship
• Higher Education Academy Grants

John Lippitt has supervised numerous research projects and advised PhD students, though specific names are not listed. He has secured over $3.6 million in research funding, including grants on virtues in education, character in media, and narrative selfhood. His leadership roles include directing the Institute for Ethics and Society and co-organizing public philosophy events. He has held visiting fellowships at the Hong Kierkegaard Library (USA) and the Søren Kierkegaard Research Centre (Denmark).

Lippitt leads the 'Virtues for the Times' podcast series and has organized the annual Notre Dame School of Virtue and Character. He has collaborated with police ethics boards in the UK and conducted workshops for therapists on Kierkegaard and forgiveness. His public engagement includes media appearances, lectures, and participation in international symposia.