The Center for the Philosophy of Freedom has launched its first annual Freedom Center Research Digest, highlighting the center’s diverse and unique research, publications, and scholarly activities over the past academic year.
In the new publication’s opening message, Director Mary Rigdon and Associate Director Saura Masconale emphasize the Center’s core belief that “freedom is foundational to a healthy democracy and a vibrant university community, which are enriched when we learn about and appreciate diverse perspectives.” Those perspectives, they write, reflect not only differing views on the nature and value of freedom—from the metaphysical and ethical to the political and psychological—but also the many methodological approaches through which scholars study it across disciplines such as philosophy, economics, politics, and law.
“The scholarly contributions from the members of the Freedom Center reflect this diversity of outlook and approach,” they note, “addressing both theoretical and empirical, abstract and applied, issues.”
Founded on the principle that “the sum should be greater than its parts,” the Freedom Center fosters collaboration among scholars who share an interest in the study of freedom and responsibility. The Research Digest embodies that vision by showcasing the scope of the Center’s intellectual community.
The inaugural issue features all core faculty members of the Freedom Center and welcomes new additions Scott Casleton, Mariana Noé, and Kit Wellman, each bringing unique expertise and new dimensions to the study of freedom and moral science.
In addition to faculty profiles, the Research Digest recaps the last year of scholarly activities, including the Inaugural Conference on Academic Freedom, the launch of the Freedom Dialogues video series, and both past and upcoming lectures, workshops, and conferences. The Freedom Center invites readers to enjoy this resource for discovering new books and journal articles on the center’s focus topics, produced by faculty, and offering a comprehensive look at how Freedom Center research contributes to global conversations about liberty, ethics, and democratic society.
The Freedom Center Research Digest will be published annually to document and celebrate the scholarly achievements of the Center’s faculty and their ongoing commitment to interdisciplinary exploration of freedom. Find the new digest and other center newsletter publications on our website. Read more about Freedom Center core faculty foundational research.
