Steven BURIK

Dr. Steven BURIK is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Associate Dean (Student Matters & Alumni Affairs) at Singapore Management University's School of Social Sciences (SOSS). He also holds the Lee Kong Chian Fellowship. His expertise spans comparative philosophy, continental philosophy (with focuses on Heidegger and Derrida), Chinese philosophy (particularly Daoism), and critical thinking. He earned his PhD in comparative philosophy from the National University of Singapore (2006) and an MA in philosophy from Erasmus University Rotterdam (1999).

Research Interests: Dr. Burik’s work bridges Western continental philosophy with Chinese thought, examining themes like Daoism’s wuwei, Heidegger’s Gelassenheit, and Derrida’s deconstruction. He advocates for methodological minimalism in comparative philosophy and has authored The End of Comparative Philosophy and co-edited Comparative Philosophy and Method.

Teaching: He teaches courses such as Critical Thinking in the Real World and Intro to Classical Chinese Philosophy. His recent publications (2019–2024) explore intersections between Daoist concepts and Western existential thought, institutional critique, and fintech ethics.

Publications Trends: His articles emphasize cross-cultural philosophical dialogues, emphasizing non-metaphysical interpretations and the role of silence/non-willing in ethics. He frequently engages with Heidegger, Derrida, and classical Daoist texts, advocating for interdisciplinary methodologies.

Advising/Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, he contributes to institutional knowledge initiatives at SMU. His work intersects philosophy with education and societal issues, reflecting his dual role as an academic and administrator.