Prof Richard Whatmore is a Professor of Modern History at the University of St Andrews, School of History. He specializes in the history of political thought, focusing on republicanism, Enlightenment studies, and intellectual history. His research explores themes such as empire, commerce, crisis, and political economy, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. He co-directs the Institute of Intellectual History and has authored influential works like The End of Enlightenment: Empire, Commerce, Crisis (2023). His recent publications address John Pocock’s legacy, James Mackintosh’s political science, and the intersections of republicanism and liberalism. Prof Whatmore advises nine PhD students, including Emilie Aebischer and Stuart Neave. His research has been supported by grants such as the Leverhulme Trust project on the Enlightenment’s decline. He actively engages in academic networks, organizing conferences on topics like population and political economy, and contributes to interdisciplinary dialogues on international relations and historical methodology. His work bridges intellectual history with global history, examining how Enlightenment ideas shaped modern political frameworks. He critiques traditional narratives of progress, emphasizing crises and ideological conflicts in European thought. His teaching and research highlight the enduring relevance of historical debates to contemporary political challenges.
Tania Lombrozo serves as the Arthur W. Marks ’19 Professor at Princeton University, leading the Concepts and Cognition Lab where she investigates the psychological and philosophical dimensions of human reasoning. Her work uniquely integrates empirical methods from cognitive science with conceptual frameworks from analytic philosophy. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. from Harvard University, establishing her foundation in interdisciplinary research approaches. Lombrozo's research centers on the human drive to explain, examining why we seek explanations for certain phenomena but not others, how explanation-seeking affects learning, and whether explanatory processes serve epistemic goals or introduce reasoning errors. She explores connections between causal reasoning, moral responsibility, and intuitive theories of knowledge, drawing from cognitive, social, and developmental psychology alongside philosophy of science and moral philosophy. Her methodology emphasizes experimental rigor while addressing normative questions about ideal reasoning. Analysis of her 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in explanation evaluation across scientific and moral contexts, with significant attention to jargon in science communication, simplicity principles (Ockham’s razor), and moral responsibility in collective action. Her work increasingly addresses AI-human interaction, particularly how explanations influence trust in large language models and the cognitive effects of chain-of-thought reasoning. Notable honors include: Arthur W. Marks ’19 Professorship Excellence in Mentoring Graduate Students Award Lombrozo actively mentors graduate students including Sarah Joo, Casey Lewry, and Sebastian Montesinos, with research supported by interdisciplinary grants spanning cognitive science, ethics education, and technology policy. Her Concepts and Cognition Lab functions as a collaborative hub where philosophical questions are tested through behavioral experiments, contributing to both theoretical advances and practical applications in science communication and AI design.
Dr. Luke Brunning is a Lecturer in Applied Ethics at the University of Leeds, affiliated with the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. He holds a DPhil from Oxford University and has previously taught at the University of Birmingham and conducted postdoctoral research at Oxford. His research focuses on romantic relationships, emotions, applied ethics, and moral psychology, with particular attention to issues like polyamory, jealousy, asexuality, and the ethics of modern relationships. Dr. Brunning's academic journey includes a BA and MPhil from King’s College London, followed by a DPhil on 'Integration, Ambivalence, and Mental Conflict' supervised by Prof. Edward Harcourt. He is a member of the Centre for Love, Sex, and Relationships and actively supervises postgraduate students like Lucy Shanahan. His work explores how ethical principles intersect with emotional experiences in personal and societal contexts. His research trends emphasize the philosophical analysis of love's complexities, including its intersections with technology (e.g., AI), healthcare ethics, and social justice. Themes like forgiveness, blame, and moral responsibility frequently appear in his publications. Though currently no scientific awards are listed, his contributions to applied ethics and relationship philosophy have established him as a key figure in these areas. Education: DPhil, MPhil, and BA in Philosophy from Oxford University and King’s College London Research Group: Centre for Love, Sex, and Relationships Lab/Team: Active in interdisciplinary ethics research at Leeds
Stefan Lorenz Sorgner is a Professor of Philosophy at John Cabot University in Rome, where he teaches and conducts research at the intersection of philosophy, technology, and ethics. He is internationally recognized as a leading expert in transhumanism and posthumanism, particularly for developing the concept of Euro-Transhumanism rooted in Nietzschean thought. Sorgner holds multiple prestigious research affiliations, including Fellow at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies (IEET), Research Fellow at the Ewha Institute for the Humanities in Seoul, and Visiting Fellow at the Ethics Centre of Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena. He is the founding and current Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Posthuman Studies , a peer-reviewed academic journal published by Penn State University Press since 2017. His research interests include the ethical implications of gene editing, artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, digital data, and human enhancement technologies. He is the Director and Co-Founder of the Beyond Humanism Network and serves as academic advisor to Humanity+. Sorgner is a frequent speaker at major international conferences such as TEDx, the World Humanities Forum, and the Venice Biennale, and is regularly cited in global media including Die Zeit , Il Sole 24 Ore , and Philosophy Now . Sorgner’s recent publications reveal a consistent thematic focus on the philosophical, ethical, and aesthetic dimensions of posthuman futures. His works analyze the shift from the ontology of Being to Becoming, explore the art of the hybrid and the chimera, and advocate for a pluralistic, ethically grounded approach to technological advancement. He emphasizes the importance of responsibility, empathy, and cultural critique in navigating the posthuman paradigm shift. Scientific Recognition and Influence: Described as “Germany's leading post- and transhumanist philosopher” by Rainer Zimmermann (University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf). Wolfgang Welsch (Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena) identifies him as “one of the worldwide leading experts on trans- and posthumanism.” Gianni Vattimo (University of Turin) praises the “profound originality” and philosophical depth of his work. Julian Savulescu (University of Oxford) calls We Have Always Been Cyborgs “an eye-opening, wide-ranging and all-inclusive study” and “highly recommended.” Advising and Public Engagement: Academic Advisor of Humanity+, a global nonprofit supporting human enhancement. Director and Co-Founder of the Beyond Humanism Network, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on posthuman futures. Regular media commentator and public speaker, actively shaping public discourse on technology and ethics. Research Centers and Networks: Member of the Beyond Humanism Network (founder and director). Research Fellow at the Ewha Institute for the Humanities (Seoul). Visiting Fellow at the Ethics Centre, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena. Fellow at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies (IEET).
David Justice is a Full-Time Temporary Lecturer in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core program, which is part of Baylor University's Honors College in Waco, Texas. He teaches interdisciplinary courses combining theology, religious studies, African American studies, Women and Gender studies, and philosophy, including Examined Life I, World of Rhetoric, and Social World. Dr. Justice earned his Ph.D. in Christian Theology from Saint Louis University, with a Graduate Minor in Women's and Gender Studies. He also holds an M.A. in Theological Ethics from Saint Louis University, an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Missouri—St. Louis, and a B.A. in Philosophy, Cum Laude, from Greenville University. His research focuses on the political theology of Martin Luther King Jr., particularly exploring the fundamental transformation necessary to realize the Beloved Community. Drawing on King's rootedness in the Black church, Dr. Justice places King in conversation with feminist, womanist, and decolonial thought to recover the radical dimensions of King's theology and connect it with contemporary activism. His publications reveal a strong engagement with themes of justice, racial capitalism, prophetic tradition, and the Beloved Community concept. His work spans academic journals, online publications like Sightings and The Bias Magazine, book reviews in Reading Religion, and regular contributions to Conciliar Post from 2019-2022. His writing demonstrates consistent attention to connecting theological concepts with practical social justice concerns. Saint Louis University Dissertation Fellowship Religion and Public Life Graduate Fellowship Culturally Responsive Graduate Fellow SLU College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Thesis Award Henry Luce Foundation: Religion and Public Life Fellow Thulin Prize for Excellence in the Study of Religion Students' Choice 'Best Classes at GU' Dr. Justice has extensive teaching experience since 2013, with his Major Issues in Philosophy course named one of the Students' Choice 'Best Classes at GU.' He completed a year-long Culturally Responsive Teaching fellowship in 2020. His current work continues to explore how we can theorize a decolonized, holistic understanding of the Beloved Community and begin constructing that community in the present.
Diane Perpich is a Professor of Women's Leadership at Clemson University's College of Arts and Humanities, with appointments in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. She founded the first B.A. program in Women’s Leadership in the U.S. and directs the Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies minor. Ph.D., University of Chicago (1997) B.A., Bryn Mawr College (Philosophy) Her research sits at the intersection of: Phenomenology and Ethics French Philosophy and Feminist Theory Social and Political Thought The 15 most recent articles highlight her expertise in feminist phenomenology, Levinasian ethics, and critical analysis of identity, embodiment, and transcendence. Key subtopics include: Medical and environmental ethics Eros and intercorporeality Postcolonial and gender theory Scientific recognition includes: Choice Outstanding Academic Title (2009) Clemson's Outstanding Woman Award (2018) She has also co-edited and translated works by the French social movement Ni Putes Ni Soumises, and her teaching spans courses on gender, women's leadership, and continental philosophy.
Lorenzo DiTommaso serves as Professor in the Department of Religions and Cultures at Concordia University, Montreal, where he has progressed from Assistant Professor (2004) to full Professor (2013), including service as Department Chair. His academic home encompasses Jewish Studies and Christianity programs, with biennial teaching of the graduate religion and popular culture seminar. Ph.D. in Religious Studies, McMaster University (2002) Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University Divinity School (2001-03) NEH Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Saint Louis University (2003-04) DiTommaso's research constitutes a comprehensive exploration of apocalyptic speculation across temporal and cultural boundaries, from ancient Near Eastern traditions to contemporary digital media. His work uniquely bridges textual scholarship on biblical apocrypha and medieval manuscripts with cutting-edge analysis of apocalyptic expression in video games, anime, and popular music. The intellectual scope spans apocalyptic historiography , manuscript studies , apocalyptic and millenarian movements , and religion in contemporary media , with distinctive expertise in Japanese cultural intersections. His methodological approach combines rigorous textual analysis with interdisciplinary cultural theory, particularly examining how apocalyptic frameworks shape human responses to crisis across historical periods. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a pronounced shift toward contemporary apocalyptic manifestations, with nearly half of his 2021-2024 output focusing on digital media, video games, and modern cultural phenomena. Simultaneously, he maintains deep engagement with medieval manuscript traditions and early Jewish-Christian apocalyptic literature, demonstrating remarkable versatility across historical periods. The thematic through-line remains apocalyptic determinism versus human agency , examined through diverse lenses from ancient prophecy to interactive gaming environments. Bibliographical Society of America - Pine Tree Foundation Fellowship in Hispanic Bibliography (2019) Nicky Carpenter Fellow in Manuscript Studies Marilyn Hollinshead Visiting Scholar (2023) Research Fellow at Herzog August Bibliothek (2024) DiTommaso has supervised over 20 graduate students since 2019 across diverse apocalyptic topics including disability studies in biblical interpretation, Satanism in virtual communities, and environmental apocalypse in radical movements. His research has been continuously supported by four major SSHRC grants (2004-07, 2007-11, 2011-16, 2018-24), supplemented by specialized fellowships at premier manuscript repositories including the Vatican Film Library, Herzog August Bibliothek, and special collections at Michigan State and Minnesota universities. He co-organizes the biennial 'Through a Glass Darkly' Symposium on Apocalyptic with Colin McAllister, now in its eighth year, rotating between Colorado Springs and Montreal. The 'Through a Glass Darkly' symposium serves as his primary collaborative platform, fostering international scholarly exchange on apocalyptic themes. He maintains active research partnerships with institutions including the Enoch Seminar and Azrieli Institute for Israel Studies, while leveraging special collections access at major libraries for manuscript-based projects. Current work on apocalyptic comic art involves collaboration with special collections at Michigan State and Minnesota universities, demonstrating his commitment to bridging traditional textual scholarship with contemporary cultural analysis.
Orlando Samões is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Political Studies (IEP-UCP) of Universidade Católica Portuguesa. He serves as the head of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations and editor-in-chief of the Nova Cidadania Quarterly Journal. His teaching includes courses on 'The Great Books Tradition' and Decision Theory, alongside roles as a teaching assistant for Political Thought under Prof. João Carlos Espada. Samões holds a PhD from IEP-UCP (2015) with a thesis on Adam Smith’s ideas of self-love and benevolence, an MA in Political Science (IEP-UCP), and a BA in Economics from NOVA School of Business and Economics (2004). He was a visiting student at Oxford’s St. Antony’s College. His research bridges political theory and political economy, exploring moral, political, and economic doctrines. His publications span Adam Smith’s thought, neoliberalism, and market ethics, with recent works including contributions to Economies (2024) and Journal of Markets & Morality (2021). He coordinates academic programs across BA, MA, and PhD levels, focusing on governance, security, and democracy studies. Samões’ academic service includes roles in curriculum design, international advisory boards, and mentoring. His research emphasizes classical liberal thought and its intersections with modern policy challenges.
Bish Sanyal is the Ford International Professor of Urban Development and Planning at MIT, serving as Director of the Special Program for Urban and Regional Studies (SPURS)/Hubert Humphrey Program. He previously led the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (1994–2002) and chaired MIT’s faculty (2007–2009). His multidisciplinary background includes a BA in Architecture from IIT Kharagpur, an MUP from the University of Kansas, and a PhD in International Development Planning from UCLA. Research focuses on urban development, particularly spatial/economic integration of informal housing, and international development planning. He advises governments and agencies in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Sanyal sits on six professional journal editorial boards. His work emphasizes comparative planning cultures and hybrid governance models, with recent articles addressing contingent universalism in planning theory and technology evaluation in global development. Key themes include urban informality, cross-cultural learning, and policy innovations in low-income contexts. Awards: MacVicar Award (MIT), Gill-Chin Lim Global Award, ACSP Distinguished Educator Award Leadership: SPURS program director, MIT faculty leadership roles Global Engagement: Advised multilateral agencies and governments across multiple regions Advocates for equitable urbanization through education and policy, integrating academic rigor with practical development challenges. His writings explore tensions between theory and practice in planning, emphasizing reflective and anticipatory approaches to urban transformation.
Elizabeth Harrison is Professor of Anthropology and International Development at the University of Sussex's School of Global Studies and currently serves as Dean of the School of Progressive Futures. She previously held leadership roles as Head of School (2018-2023) and Head of International Development, representing Social Science on the University Executive Group. Her academic credentials include a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University, followed by an MA in Gender and Development and DPhil in Social Anthropology from Sussex. Her career progression at Sussex spans Research Fellow (1990-1996), Lecturer (1996), Senior Lecturer (2004), Reader (2013), and Professor (2017). Professor Harrison's research examines ethical claims and power dynamics in development contexts through key concepts of morality, corruption, 'development', and resilience. Her ethnographic fieldwork across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the UK investigates natural resource management—including irrigation systems in post-conflict settings and coastal zones—and social policy domains such as ageing, poverty alleviation, and community regeneration. This work consistently bridges anthropological theory with practical development challenges. Analysis of her recent publications reveals persistent thematic focus on irrigation governance, economic resilience during crises, and critical evaluations of aid systems. These works employ political ecology and anthropological frameworks to dissect local-institutional interactions, particularly in African agricultural contexts, while challenging technocratic development approaches through attention to moral economies and differentiated legitimacy. She has supervised 18 PhD students on diverse global topics including bureaucracy in Papua New Guinea, gender equity in South African policing, and food sovereignty in Nicaragua. Her research is funded by ESRC, DFID, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, with notable projects on small-scale irrigation innovation and economic crisis impacts. Additionally, she advises international bodies including FAO, UNRISD, Save the Children, and OECD DAC on policy matters. Professor Harrison maintains active community engagement through partnerships with Meridian Mature Citizens Forum, Seaford Seniors Forum, and East Sussex County Council, translating research into local consultation practices for social policy and planning initiatives.
Dr. Katarzyna Grunt-Mejer is an academic at SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, based at the Poznań campus. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Law and works within the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the Institute of Psychology. Holding a Doctor of Humanities in Psychology degree with additional training in sexology, philosophy, and bioethics, she serves as an Assistant Professor teaching sexology, basic psychology, and research methods in clinical psychology. She also directs the postgraduate studies in practical sexology. Dr. Grunt-Mejer's research focuses on sexual ethics, psychological support, the functioning of close relationships, and sexology. She has made significant contributions to understanding consensual non-monogamy, having led an international project from 2013 to 2015 examining attitudes toward non-mononormative relationships. Her work spans multiple disciplines including psychology, bioethics, and social sciences, with particular emphasis on the ethical implications of sexual health practices and the social construction of sexual norms. Her publication record shows consistent output across multiple domains, with her most recent work addressing contemporary issues in sexology, relationship structures, and sexual health. The articles demonstrate a clear progression from foundational research on relationship types to more nuanced examinations of ethical considerations in sexual health and the medicalization of sexual desire. Member of the scientific committee for the "Conference on the Future of Monogamy and Non-monogamy" Recipient of National Science Centre funding (SONATA competition) for her project "The concept of norm in sexology" (2017-2020) Contributor to significant research on road aggression and transportation psychology Dr. Grunt-Mejer actively engages in both academic and public discourse, participating in conferences like the Impact 2024 congress and contributing to public understanding of human sexuality. She leads the Sexology Scientific Club at the university and has been involved in numerous research projects examining the intersection of psychology, ethics, and sexual health. Her work demonstrates a commitment to bridging academic research with practical applications in clinical settings and public education.
Tracy Trothen is a Professor of Ethics jointly appointed to the School of Religion and the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen's University, within the Faculty of Arts and Science. Her interdisciplinary work bridges ethics, religion, and technology, with a focus on artificial intelligence, transhumanism, human enhancement technologies, and their implications for sport, aging, and spiritual health. She holds a BA from Queen's University, an MDiv from Queen's, and a ThD from the University of Toronto. Her research explores the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies, including AI's impact on spirituality, enhancement in sports, and moral distress in caregiving roles. She has authored or edited ten books, including the ISSR-awarded Religion and the Technological Future: An Introduction to Biohacking, A.I., and Transhumanism (2021). Trothen is also a certified Clinical Spiritual Health Specialist and Supervisor-Educator with the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care. Her articles span topics like AI ethics in East Asian philosophies, anti-aging technologies' spiritual implications, and mindfulness-based interventions for cognitive decline. She addresses intersections between religion, technology, and healthcare, emphasizing marginalized perspectives in bioethics through an intersectional theological lens. Awards: ISSR Award (2021), ISSR Fellowship Key Research Themes: Human enhancement ethics, sport theology, spiritual health in aging, AI and religion Publications: Over 100 articles, 10+ books, and chapters on transhumanism, sport ethics, and caregiving Trothen's work often critiques technological utopianism, advocating for ethical frameworks that prioritize human dignity and spiritual well-being. She collaborates across disciplines to address moral challenges posed by rapid technological advancements.
Stephen A. Cooper serves as Professor of Religious Studies, specializing in the historical and philosophical dimensions of early Christian thought. His academic profile centers on rigorous analysis of patristic biblical interpretation, particularly the reception of Greco-Roman rhetorical and philosophical frameworks within foundational Christian texts. Dr. Cooper's educational background includes: Ph.D. from Columbia University (1992) His research program demonstrates exceptional depth in Patristics and Biblical Exegesis , with signature contributions to understanding Marius Victorinus and Ambrosiaster. Key thematic strands include: Greco-Roman-Christian Synthesis : Examination of Neoplatonic philosophy and classical rhetoric in scriptural interpretation Pauline Reception History : Tracking theological development through commentaries on Pauline epistles Early Christian Intellectual History : Contextualizing exegetical methods within 4th-century Roman culture Rhetorical Hermeneutics : Analyzing narrative and persuasive structures in biblical commentaries Cooper's three-decade publication trajectory reveals methodological consistency in philological precision and philosophical contextualization. His work progresses from focused commentary studies (e.g., Galatians, Ephesians) toward comprehensive synthetic analyses of Victorinus' philosophical theology. The 2022 edited volume represents current scholarship integrating rhetoric, philosophy, and theology in late antique exegesis. While specific awards remain undocumented in available sources, his sustained contributions to patristic studies are evident through editorial leadership with the Society of Biblical Literature and ongoing translation projects. Current research priorities include completing the first full English translation of Ambrosiaster's Pauline commentaries. Dr. Cooper's teaching portfolio encompasses History of Christianity (New Testament through Reformation eras) and Psychology of Religion, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to religious phenomena. His scholarly impact continues through active editorial work and translation projects advancing accessibility of foundational patristic texts.
Matthew Dimick is a Professor of Law at the University at Buffalo School of Law and Director of the Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy. His research focuses on labor and employment law, contracts, tax policy, legal theory, law and economics, and the political economy of income inequality. He holds a JD from Cornell Law School and a PhD in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with prior experience at Georgetown University Law Center and the Service Employees International Union. Dimick's research examines the intersection of law and political economy, with current projects on capitalism's relationship with antidiscrimination law and co-editing a volume on Jürgen Habermas's legal theory. His work critically addresses topics including wage regulations, racial reification under capitalism, and tensions between labor rights and antitrust frameworks. His publications demonstrate sustained focus on income inequality mechanisms, with recent analyses of minimum wage impacts, neoliberal data distortions, and redistributive legal frameworks. Articles frequently engage with labor law's philosophical foundations, critiques of market power, and policy alternatives for economic justice. Dimick teaches courses in contracts, labor law, employment discrimination, tax policy, and law & society. He has contributed to public discourse through media outlets like The Atlantic and Jacobin, translating complex legal-economic concepts for broader audiences.
Laurenz S. Ramsauer serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Chicago, where he bridges theoretical inquiry with practical applications in ethics and social philosophy. His work critically examines how philosophical frameworks function as both ideology and therapeutic critique. His academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Philosophy, University of Chicago (2024) LL.M., University of Cambridge (2018) LL.B., King's College London (2017) Ramsauer's research centers on the theory-practice nexus, investigating dehumanization through metaphor, Kant's relationship with enlightenment dialectics, and the philosophical tensions in Kant's racism. His scholarship reveals deep engagement with Kantian ethics, legal philosophy, and critical race theory, consistently challenging assumptions about moral progress and institutional efficacy. His recent publications demonstrate rigorous analysis of foundational concepts across ethics and jurisprudence. Notably, his reinterpretation of Kant's casuistical questions frames them as therapeutic tools for moral self-liberation, while his work on legal efficacy dismantles orthodox assumptions about law's normative force. The recurring focus on Kant's racism exposes systemic flaws in abstract moral frameworks when confronting historical prejudice. His scholarly contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards: Dean's Distinguished Dissertation Award, University of Chicago (2025) Graduate Council Research Award, University of Chicago (2023) Graduate Council Research Award, University of Chicago (2022) St Edmunds College Prize, University of Cambridge (2018) Ramsauer's research has been advanced through significant fellowships including the Affiliated Doctoral Fellowship at the Franke Institute for the Humanities (2023-24) and UC Mellon Dissertation Completion Fellowship (2023-24). His teaching portfolio spans advanced seminars like 'Origins of Critical Theory' (2025) and core humanities courses, reflecting his commitment to integrating historical and systematic perspectives in practical philosophy education. He actively participates in international academic discourse through presentations at major conferences including the Israeli Philosophical Association Annual Conference and Munich Graduate Conference in Ethics, contributing to ongoing dialogues in German idealism and critical philosophy.
