Kathleen M Higgins

Kathleen M Higgins is Professor of Philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, holding a PhD from Yale University. She maintains an active teaching schedule through Fall 2025 with courses spanning existentialism, Schopenhauer studies, and musical aesthetics.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD from Yale University

Higgins specializes in continental philosophy with deep expertise in Nietzsche and Schopenhauer scholarship, while pioneering interdisciplinary work at the intersection of musical aesthetics and emotional theory. Her research uniquely bridges Western philosophical traditions with non-Western perspectives, particularly examining music's role as potential universal language. Current leadership as President of the American Society for Aesthetics underscores her field authority.

Her distinguished scientific achievements include:

• Outstanding Academic Book of 1988-1989 by Choice for 'Nietzsche's Zarathustra'
• American Society for Aesthetics Outstanding Monograph Prize (2012) for 'The Music between Us'
• Alumni Achievement Award from University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory (1999)
• Visiting Fellowships at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (2013) and Australian National University (1997)
• Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Residency (1993)

Professor Higgins maintains significant international academic engagement through frequent collaborations with the University of Auckland Philosophy Department and previously served as Visiting Fellow at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Her teaching portfolio consistently features core courses including Existentialism (PHL 366K), Philosophy of Arts (PHL 317K), and specialized seminars on Schopenhauer and musical aesthetics, demonstrating enduring commitment to undergraduate education.