Matthias Mahlmann

Prof. Matthias Mahlmann is a Professor of Philosophy and Theory of Law, Legal Sociology, and International Public Law at the University of Zurich's Faculty of Law. His research focuses on the intersection of human rights, legal philosophy, ethics, and psychology, with a particular emphasis on foundational questions of justice, dignity, and the resilience of democratic institutions. He chairs the interdisciplinary research group exploring legal theory, human rights, and global justice.

Key research interests include the philosophical underpinnings of human rights, the role of psychology in legal frameworks, and the challenges posed by anti-democratic ideologies. His recent work, such as Mind and Rights, examines how human psychology and history shape legal and ethical norms. He frequently engages with international audiences through lectures, symposia, and media interviews, addressing topics like climate change law, civil disobedience, and the ethics of genome editing.

Prof. Mahlmann has authored and edited numerous books, including revised editions of Concrete Justice and Legal Philosophy and Legal Theory, and participates in global initiatives like the International Association for Legal and Social Philosophy (IVR). His academic networks span institutions such as the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of Oxford, and Cardozo Law Institute.

He leads seminars and courses on legal theory, human rights, and literature’s role in legal discourse. His work bridges academic rigor with public engagement, advocating for the preservation of democratic values and human rights in turbulent global contexts.