Ulla Wessels

Ulla Wessels is a Professor of Practical Philosophy at the Philosophy Department of Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany. Her academic position places her within one of Germany's prominent philosophical institutions, where she maintains an active research and teaching profile. She holds office 0.17 in building A2.3 on the Saarbrücken campus, with standard mailing address at Saarland University, Institute of Philosophy, Campus, Building A2.3, Room 0.17, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.

Professor Wessels specializes in multiple areas of practical philosophy, with primary focus on ethics. Her research spans consequentialism, welfarism, utilitarianism, supererogation, moral psychology, meaning of life, and bioethics (including abortion and genetic engineering). Her scholarly approach integrates historical perspectives with contemporary ethical debates, creating a rich interdisciplinary framework for examining moral questions.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent scholarly trajectory centered on desire theory, welfare concepts, and moral obligation structures. Her work shows particular interest in temporal aspects of moral reasoning, the nature of supererogatory acts, and the relationship between preferences and ethical value. The publications demonstrate engagement with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications across bioethics and political philosophy.

Professor Wessels maintains an active teaching schedule, with courses planned through 2026 including Introduction to Ethics, Law and Justice, Utilitarianism: For and Against, and Postgraduate Colloquium on Practical Philosophy. She appears deeply committed to student mentorship, as evidenced by her detailed guidelines for writing recommendation letters, where she emphasizes academic integrity, preparation, and mutual respect in the student-teacher relationship. Her teaching philosophy values intellectual engagement beyond mere grades, encouraging classroom participation, attendance at departmental events, and professional courtesy.