Johanna Thoma

Johanna Thoma is a Professor of Ethics at the University of Bayreuth and holds positions as Chair of Ethics, President of the International Network for Economic Method, and External Member of the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy. Previously, she was an Associate Professor at the London School of Economics (LSE) and a Visiting Professor there. Her research bridges philosophy, economics, and public policy, focusing on decision theory, moral and political questions, and avoiding paternalism in collective decisions. She holds a PhD from the University of Toronto (2017) and has been recognized with the 2024 Elizabeth D. Rockwell Prize.

Thoma’s work explores methodological rigor in economics, ethical implications of public policy, and decision-making under uncertainty. Key themes include the ethics of artificial agents, behavioral welfare economics, and the dangers of single-metric policy frameworks. Her publications span journals like Philosophy and Public Affairs, Ethics, and Economics and Philosophy.

• Education: PhD in Philosophy, University of Toronto (2017); Visiting Student at Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy.

Her awards reflect recognition of her contributions to ethics and policy analysis. Research interests emphasize democratic legitimacy in decision processes and the intersection of philosophy with social sciences. Thoma’s current work addresses challenges in risk imposition by artificial systems and the epistemic foundations of collective decision-making.