Arthur Ripstein, a University Professor in the Faculty of Law and Department of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts & Science, has been awarded the 2022 Journal of the History of Philosophy Prize, celebrating philosophical and scholarly achievement.
The prize is awarded to a book published in the previous year, according to the copyright date, which deserves special recognition for its contribution to the history of Western philosophy. Ripstein was recognized for his book Kant and the Law of War (Oxford University Press, 2021).
Ripstein’s interdisciplinary scholarship spans a wide range of topics, including the history of philosophy, theories of justice, tort law and the law of war. He has been at the forefront of renewed scholarly interest in the legal and political philosophy of 18th century philosopher Immanuel Kant.
“Kant’s ideas of individual freedom, political equality, and the point of having a legal order are aimed at ensuring that no one is subject to someone else's choice. These ideas, none of which are fully realized in any of our current institutions, are nonetheless organizing principles of modern political life,” says Ripstein, who holds the Faculty of Law’s Howard Beck, Q.C. Chair.
“I've tried to get Kantian philosophy to engage with questions that are alive for us today, both as engaged citizens and as legal philosophers interested in the structure and development of the law.”
“Congratulations to Professor Ripstein on this prestigious award, which celebrates his scholarly work and contributions to philosophy,” said Jutta Brunnée, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University Professor and James Marshall Tory Dean’s Chair.
