Dr. Jonathan Kwan

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Jonathan Kwan is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at New York University Abu Dhabi. His research interests include social political philosophy, environmental philosophy, decolonial philosophy, race, and Chinese philosophy. Kwan's current projects explore eco-political theories regarding territorial rights, Indigenous territorial rights, and non-ideal theories of transitional legitimacy. He also investigates social ontology and concepts of eco-democratic Confucianism. Kwan has taught previously at various institutions including the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Hunter College, Brooklyn College, and LaGuardia Community College. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Swarthmore College and received his PhD from the Graduate Center, City University of New York. Kwan has actively participated in academic committees, including serving on the American Philosophical Association Committee for Asian and Asian American Philosophers and Philosophies. His teaching focuses on introductory and advanced courses in philosophy including free will, ethics, Chinese philosophical thought, and environmental ethics, encouraging a global multicultural approach engaging diverse philosophical traditions.

Research Interests

Requirements for New York University Abu Dhabi

Bachelor Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
High School Diploma or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Common Application
  • NYU Supplement
  • Official Transcripts
  • Common Application School Report
  • Counselor Recommendation
  • Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)
  • Standardized Testing (Optional for 2025-2026)
  • Teacher Recommendation
Specialization Notes

Undergraduate programs at NYU Abu Dhabi are cross-disciplinary. Departments such as Computer Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Philosophy, and Psychology fall under the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts/Science tracks.