About
Julie Walsh is the Whitehead Associate Professor of Critical Thought and Associate Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at Wellesley College. She specializes in early modern philosophy and the ethics of digital technology, with particular focus on theories of human freedom and the epistemology of witch hunts.
- Education: B.A. from University of Toronto, M.A. and Ph.D. from University of Western Ontario
Her research spans two major domains: early modern philosophy (particularly Malebranche and Locke) and digital technology ethics. She co-leads an NSF-funded project with Eni Mustafaraj examining how liberal arts institutions prepare graduates for tech ethics. Her work also explores marginalized early modern thinkers and witch hunt historiography.
Recent publications include computational ethics studies (2023-2025) and historical analyses of 17th-century humility theories. She serves on the leadership team at the Suzy Newhouse Center for the Humanities alongside Professor Irene Mata and Lauren Cote.
- Scientific Awards:
- National Science Foundation grant (2023) for digital ethics research
Julie teaches courses like "Philosophy and Witchcraft" and "Ethics and Digital Technology," and engages in public philosophy through platforms like The Conversation and WBUR. Personal interests include science fiction, New York Times crosswords, vegan cooking experiments, and caring for rescue dog Lola.
