Michael Moehler

Michael Moehler is a Professor of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Virginia Tech, where he serves as Founding Director of the Kellogg Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. His work bridges foundational moral theory and practical policy through the lens of social contract theory.

• Ph.D., London School of Economics
• M.Sc., London School of Economics
• B.Sc., London School of Economics

Moehler's research focuses on deeply morally pluralistic societies, integrating Hobbes, Hume, Kant, Rawls and modern critics like Sen and Gaus. His Two-Level Contractarian Theory reconciles Kantian universalism with Hobbesian self-interest to enable cooperation in fractured societies.

Recent publications analyze rational choice applications in moral sciences and strategic justice. His work spans game theory, public reason, and distributive justice across 15+ years of peer-reviewed articles.

• Bessel Research Award, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• Author of Minimal Morality (OUP, 2018)

As academic leader, Moehler co-developed PPE degree programs and oversees undergraduate research journal. He maintains active visiting appointments at institutions like Heinrich Heine University and University of Hamburg.