Center for Political Philosophy in Global Perspectives
About the Center
The Center for Political Philosophy in Global Perspectives specializes in research on contemporary theories of democracy, justice, human rights, philosophy of law, biopolitics, and the impact of globalization on the political order. The team combines classical perspectives (Aristotle, Kant) with critical theory and the analysis of liberal institutions. The members of the Center jointly participated in the international research project “The Democratic Rule of Law in the Face of the Challenges Related to COVID-19” (2022–2024), which resulted in publications in Polish, English, and Georgian, as well as in the project “The Rule of Law and the Right to Self-Determination as the Foundations of Political Order. A Philosophical Dialogue of Scholars and Students from Poland, Germany, Georgia, and Ukraine” (2025).
The Center is co-funded by the Mieroszewski Centre and the University of Warsaw.
Main achievements of the Center’s members
Prof. Agnieszka Nogal – development of the theory of dignity as the foundation of law; honorary doctorate (2024); monograph (2023); numerous international lectures (including Oxford, Seoul); mentor in the FNP program.
Dr. hab. Rafał Wonicki, Prof. UW – development of the hermeneutic concept of global justice; research at Oxford (2024); expert activity (including GRAI, NAWA); co-editing of collective volumes.
Dr. Magdalena Gawin – publications on contemporary fascism and human rights; co-organization of the Philosophy Olympiad and schools within international projects.
Collaborations
The Center’s relations with other research institutions are based on joint projects and in-depth reflection on the social dimension of philosophy. The team collaborates with partners from Georgia, Ukraine, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The goal is to strengthen the Center’s position as a hub for reflection on political philosophy in a global context.
Our Approach
The Center for Political Philosophy in Global Perspectives contributes a vision of philosophy engaged with social and institutional life. Through its research on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law — and through close cooperation with public institutions, NGOs, and international partners — the Center promotes the development of publicly relevant philosophy. Among philosophical institutions in Poland, the Center stands out for its international activity, interdisciplinarity, and presence in public debate (e.g., Teologia Polityczna).
Research Directions
The Center for Political Philosophy in Global Perspectives develops research in four strategic areas:
(1) crises of liberal democracy and the rule of law,
(2) contemporary conceptions of human dignity in the context of biopolitics and medical law,
(3) philosophical aspects of fascism and political radicalization in the 20th and 21st centuries,
(4) the Polish tradition of political philosophy.
Student involvement
Research is conducted in close connection with teaching, actively involving students and doctoral candidates in international projects (summer and winter schools of political philosophy in Poland and Georgia — a total of five on-site schools in 2023, 2024, and 2025). The Center’s staff also popularize the topics of their research (e.g., Science Festival, Common Sense Generation podcasts), gain international recognition (including honorary doctorates), and serve as experts — for example, at the Ministry of Digital Affairs or in the FNP mentoring program.