Dr. Jan Willem Van Der Rijt

Biography

I am a moral philosopher, specializing in political philosophy and normative ethics. My research addresses questions of dignity, individual happiness, and well-being, particularly through the lens of Kantian and neo-Roman republican approaches. I have published on a variety of issues related to human rights, the drawbacks of governmental commitments to promote happiness, and the moral and political significance of subjective moral judgments. My work also tackles topics such as torture, coercion, retributive justice, and the tension between admiration and self-respect. Originally trained as a mathematical economist, I maintain a strong interest in strategic interaction and the workings of democracy, publishing on rationality and coalition formation in politics. My teaching includes introductory courses in political philosophy and ethics, as well as seminars on the history of political thought and various courses aligned with my research interests.

Research Interests

Experience