Laura Rizzerio

Laura Rizzerio is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Namur (UNamur), Belgium, specializing in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy, Aesthetics, and Philosophical Approaches to Vulnerability. She directs the Philosophical Space of Namur Center for Vulnerabilities and Societies and maintains affiliations with Fontes Antiquitatis Heritage. Her academic journey spans from foundational work in patristics to contemporary explorations of vulnerability and the commons.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy, Catholic University of Louvain (1989)
• Master of Philosophy, University of Genoa (1983)
• Degree in Philosophy, University of Genoa, Italy

Rizzerio's research interests evolved from a core focus on articulating logical-scientific rationality with practical rationality based on faith, moral certainty, and affectivity. Her early work centered on patristics and medieval philosophy (Clement of Alexandria, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius, Robert Grosseteste, Thomas Aquinas). Later, her teaching in philosophy of art expanded her research into aesthetics, particularly classical beauty and ancient/medieval aesthetics in relation to contemporary art. Since 2010, she has focused on vulnerability, care ethics, and more recently on the common good and commons. Her scholarship demonstrates a consistent thread connecting historical philosophical traditions with contemporary ethical challenges.

Her scholarly output reveals a clear trajectory from classical philosophical foundations toward applied ethics addressing modern societal challenges. The recurring themes across her publications include embodiment, vulnerability, the relationship between faith and reason, and the application of ancient philosophical insights to contemporary problems. Her work increasingly integrates interdisciplinary perspectives while maintaining strong philosophical rigor.

Scientific Awards:

• Membre Honoraire (2012)
• Membre honoraire de la Société per le Studio della filosofia antica (2013)

Rizzerio has supervised multiple students and leads significant research projects including 'The commons and the common good' (2021-present), 'Philosophy and religion, faith and reason: a possible articulation?' (2016-present), and 'Philosophical Approaches to Vulnerability' (2013-present). She also co-leads the KOINA project on political knowledge as a commons in Democratic Athens (2022-2024). Her research has been consistently funded through multiple projects spanning decades.

She directs the Philosophical Space of Namur and collaborates with the Aretai Center on Virtues, bringing together interdisciplinary teams to address contemporary ethical challenges through the lens of philosophical traditions. Her work bridges academic philosophy with practical applications in healthcare, social policy, and cultural commentary.