Thorsten Moos

Prof. Thorsten Moos is a faculty member at the Faculty of Theology at Heidelberg University and a recently appointed faculty fellow in the Max Planck School Matter to Life program. He teaches ethics courses for PhD candidates, focusing on the ethical implications of scientific research at the intersection of matter and life.

His interdisciplinary background spans theoretical physics (studied in the 1990s) and theological ethics (completed doctorate and habilitation). Key research areas include:

• Relationship between science and theology as complementary perspectives
• Ethical integration in scientific research processes
• AI's impact on medical practice and research professionalism
• Dual use challenges in biotechnology
• Philosophical definition of life as participatory rather than merely descriptive

Prof. Moos advocates for early ethics education in scientific training, arguing scientists must cultivate "dark fantasies" to anticipate potential negative consequences while maintaining research freedom. His teaching approach emphasizes ethics as integral to scientific professionalism rather than bureaucratic compliance.

Notable contributions include:

• Article arguing "artificial life" constitutes an oxymoron
• Habilitation research on illness as both somatic condition and existential experience
• Current project chairing AI ethics in medical contexts

He co-conducted the Matter to Life ethics course in March 2024 with Gösta Gantner, receiving praise for facilitating deep discussions on complex philosophical texts including Kant's original works. His international teaching approach leverages cultural diversity as a strength for ethical discourse.