Stefan Gosepath

Stefan Gosepath is a Professor of Practical Philosophy at the Institute of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, Free University of Berlin. He serves as Principal Investigator for multiple major research projects including the Volkswagen Foundation's 'The Deserving Rich' and the Excellence Cluster 'Contestations of the Liberal Script' (SCRIPTS), where he coordinates the Research Unit 'Order'. His academic affiliations include membership in the Academy of Sciences and Literature Mainz and participation in the Berlin-Potsdam Research Group on International Rule of Law.

His research spans political philosophy with particular focus on theories of justice (global and intergenerational), equality, democracy, human rights, and responsibility. Key areas include social and legal philosophy, action theory, meta-ethics (particularly rationality and normativity), and theories of the good life. His work critically examines meritocracy, inheritance systems, and wealth distribution within liberal democracies.

Notable publications demonstrate evolving focus from foundational theories of egalitarian justice to contemporary challenges including pandemic ethics, digital governance, and contestations of liberal democracy. His recent work analyzes merit systems, inheritance justice, and global philosophical frameworks through interdisciplinary lenses combining philosophy, sociology, and political science.

• Opus Magnum Stipendium der VW Stiftung (2021/22)
• Ordinary Member, Academy of Sciences and Literature Mainz (since 2020)
• Principal Investigator, Excellence Cluster SCRIPTS (since 2019)

Gosepath leads multiple collaborative research initiatives including 'Transforming Solidarities' (Berlin University Alliance) and 'Liberal Order, Legitimate Authority and Disagreement' (with Mattias Kumm). His work connects theoretical frameworks with practical policy challenges, particularly regarding social cohesion in migration societies and democratic resilience. He maintains active engagement with public discourse through media appearances and policy-relevant interventions on issues of justice and democratic governance.