Sanem Soyarslan

Sanem Soyarslan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at North Carolina State University (NC State University), within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She holds a D.S.U. in Political Science from Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II), an M.A. in Philosophy from Boğaziçi University, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Duke University. Prior to joining NC State in 2013, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Boston University.

Education:

• Diplôme Supérieur d’Université (D.S.U.) in Political Science, Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II), 2000
• M.A. in Philosophy, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, 2005
• Ph.D. in Philosophy, Duke University, 2011

Research Interests: Soyarslan specializes in early modern philosophy, particularly Baruch Spinoza, with comparative engagement with ancient ethical theories (e.g., Aristotle). Her work bridges Spinozist ethics with broader questions in the history of ethics, focusing on topics like solitude, friendship, virtue, and epistemological distinctions between reason and intuitive knowledge. She critically examines Spinoza’s critiques of traditional virtues (e.g., humility) and their implications for moral agency.

Recent Articles: Her publications analyze Spinoza’s views on solitude, the limitations of friendship in his ethical framework, and tensions between intellectualist ideals and social engagement. Recent work extends to contemporary discussions on loneliness and philosophical contemplation’s role in appreciating solitude.

Awards: Recipient of the 2020 NC State College of Humanities and Social Sciences Outstanding Junior Faculty Award in the Humanities.

Other Contributions: She has contributed translations of Etienne Balibar’s Spinoza et la Politique into Turkish and maintains an active profile on Academia.edu with over 16,000 views. Her research highlights Spinoza’s underexplored contributions to understanding human finitude, ethical ideals, and the interplay between knowledge and affect.