معرفی
Leo Catana is a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Humanities. His academic career spans positions from Assistant Professor to his current role as Professor since 2024. He has held significant leadership positions including Head of Study Programme for Philosophy and membership in the Research Council of the Department of Communication.
- Professor, Section of Philosophy, UCPH (2024-)
- Associate Professor, Section of Philosophy, UCPH (2007-2024)
- Director of the Centre for Neoplatonic Virtue Ethics, UCPH (2010-2013)
Dr. Catana's educational background includes a Dr. theol. (2017) and Dr. phil. (2008) from the University of Copenhagen, along with extensive studies at University College London, The Warburg Institute, and Università di Bologna.
His research centers on three interconnected areas: modern environmental virtue ethics, ancient Greek ethics and political thought, and the historiography of philosophy. These fields converge in his exploration of how historical philosophical narratives shape contemporary ethical frameworks, particularly regarding humanity's relationship with nature. His work bridges philosophy, philology, and theology, examining how knowledge about philosophy's past influences current philosophical discourse.
Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of ancient philosophical traditions with modern environmental ethics. His work frequently examines how Enlightenment-era historians like Jacob Brucker shaped our understanding of ancient philosophy and how these historical narratives continue to influence contemporary environmental thought. The recurring themes across his publications include virtue ethics, the relationship between humans and nature, and the methodological questions surrounding the history of philosophy.
- Fellow Dronning Marys Center (2024-2025)
- Fellow at Centre for Applied Ecological Thinking (2024-2025)
- Fellow at the Danish Institute at Athens (2022)
- FORWARD Talent Programme selection by UCPH leadership (2020-21)
- Fellow at University of Edinburgh (2018)
- Nomination for Årets Harald teaching prize (2012)
Dr. Catana has secured significant research funding totaling over 5.6 million euros, including a major 4.5 million euro grant from the V. Kahn Rasmussen Foundation for The Centre for Applied Ecological Thinking. He has mentored 5 postdocs and co-supervised 5 PhD students, demonstrating his commitment to academic development. His leadership extends to founding the Copenhagen Intellectual History Seminar and co-founding the International Society for Socratic Studies. Current research initiatives include the UCPH Forum for Ancient and Medieval Philosophy and the international work group on Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Socratic Studies.
