Political Theory is a scientific discipline at the intersection of political science, philosophy, sociology, psychology and many other disciplines. The topics on which political theorists conduct research are diverse: justice, legitimacy, rule, power, freedom, society, conflict, consensus and dissent, identity.
Here we would like to introduce you to the research topics that the members of the Political Theory Research Group at the University of Konstanz are working on. Please also take a look at the overview of our publications.
Religion
This research area is about the role and position of religion within liberal states. At the Political Theory Research Group, Aurélia Bardon is researching these questions in particular within this research area:
- What role should faith-based reasoning play in politics? Is it ever legitimate to use religious reasons to justify political decisions?
- Should liberal states be secular? What kind of separation between religion and politics is necessary in liberal states?
- How should we accommodate religious diversity? In particular, should religious exemptions be granted?
Civility
Part of Aurélia Bardon’s current research focuses on the concept of civility and the role it plays in contemporary democracies. The following questions are particularly relevant:
- What does it mean to be civil, and why it is important to be civil in a liberal democracy?
- When is it ever justified to be uncivil?
- Can monuments (such as the statues of slave owners or otherwise controversial figures) be uncivil, and if so should they be removed?
Cultural Appropriation
Being seen as engaging in “cultural appropriation” is increasingly considered as problematic. The concept of cultural appropriation is nowadays often used in public debates, but it also raises important philosophical questions addressed by Aurélia Bardon:
- Is cultural appropriation always wrong?
- Why is cultural appropriation (at least in some cases) wrong?
- What should be the response of the liberal state regarding cultural appropriation?
Theory of the Self
A description of this research focus by Andrea Lailach-Hennrich will be published shortly.
Climate ethics
A description of this research focus by Andrea Lailach-Hennrich will be published shortly.
If you are planning to write your Bachelor's or Master's thesis in one of these research areas (or in another topic area of Political Theory), please feel free to contact us. Please also see our information page on Bachelor's and Master's theses.