Rainer Forst

Prof. Dr. Rainer Forst is a Research Professor of Political Theory at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center (since 2009) and a Full Professor of Political Theory and Philosophy at the Institute of Political Science, Goethe University Frankfurt (since 2004). He is the Co-Director of the Research Centre 'Justitia Amplificata' (since 2009) and Co-Speaker of the Cluster of Excellence 'The Formation of Normative Orders' (since 2007). His visiting positions include Thomas Mann Fellowship (2021), Harris Distinguished Visiting Professor (2009), and Visiting Professorships at the University of Washington (2015) and Rice University (2015).

• Education: Habilitation (2003) and PhD (1993) in Philosophy from Goethe University Frankfurt.

Research Interests: Forst’s work centers on political philosophy, critical theory, and the normative foundations of justice and human rights. He explores concepts like toleration, democratic legitimacy, and transnational (in)justice, emphasizing the right to justification as a core ethical principle. His scholarship bridges Kantian constructivism, Marxist critique, and modern democratic theory, addressing crises in democracy and solidarity in contemporary contexts.

Publications: His recent work spans toleration, transnational justice, and democratic theory, with a focus on critical theory and normative orders. Books like Normativity and Power (2017) and Justification and Critique (2014) reflect his interdisciplinary approach, integrating philosophy, political theory, and global ethics.

Scientific Awards: Recipient of the prestigious Leibniz Prize (2012), Thomas Mann Fellowship (2021), and Heisenberg-Scholar (2003–2004), underscoring his influence in political philosophy.

Labs/Teams: Co-leads the Research Centre 'Justitia Amplificata' and the Cluster of Excellence 'The Formation of Normative Orders', fostering collaborative research on justice, democracy, and global ethics.