معرفی
Jakub Jirsa is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague. He has held this leadership position during two periods: 2016-2019 and 2023-2025. His academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to ancient philosophy and ethics.
Dr. Jirsa earned his PhD in Philosophy from the Central European University in Budapest (2006) with a thesis on "The Ethics of Self-Knowledge in Plato's Dialogues." He also holds Master's (2002) and Bachelor's (2002) degrees in philosophy and humanities from Charles University in Prague. His educational journey included research stays at Cambridge University and the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna.
Specializing in ancient philosophy and ethics, Dr. Jirsa has established himself as a leading scholar in Platonic and Aristotelian studies. His research focuses on Plato's conception of virtue, Aristotle's account of happiness, and the application of ancient philosophical concepts to contemporary ethical and political issues. He has published extensively on Socratic dialogues, virtue ethics, and the political philosophy of Central European dissidents, demonstrating a unique ability to bridge historical philosophical analysis with modern ethical concerns.
Dr. Jirsa's publication record reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of ethics, political philosophy, and ancient thought. His work shows particular interest in virtue ethics, the concept of eudaimonia, and the application of classical philosophical frameworks to modern educational institutions. Recent publications indicate a growing interest in the philosophy of universities and the challenges facing higher education in contemporary society.
- Jan Patočka Visiting Fellow at the Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen (IWM), Vienna (2019)
- Habilitation in Philosophy at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University (2022)
As an academic advisor, Dr. Jirsa has supervised numerous bachelor's and master's theses on diverse topics spanning ancient philosophy, contemporary ethics, and political philosophy. His students have explored subjects ranging from Bernard Williams' abolition of slave morality to the political philosophy of Central European dissidents. He has also served as Vice-Chairman of the Center for the Study of Political Philosophy (2017) and contributed to significant research projects on university autopoiesis.
Dr. Jirsa is actively involved in the academic community through his participation in the Symposium Platonicum Pragense and editorial work on Plato's dialogues. He has edited several critical editions of Platonic texts and contributes regularly to scholarly discussions on ancient philosophy and its relevance to contemporary issues.
