Bas Van der Vossen is a Professor in the Smith Institute for Political Economy and Philosophy and the Philosophy Department at Chapman University. His research centers on political philosophy, with a primary focus on political economy, global justice, and Lockean theories of property rights. He also writes on the ethics of political activism within the academy.

His books include Political Philosophy: The Basics (Routledge, 2024); In Defense of Openness: Why Global Freedom Is the Humane Solution to Global Poverty (Oxford University Press, 2018), co-authored with Jason Brennan; and Debating Humanitarian Intervention: Should We Try to Save Strangers? (Oxford University Press, 2017), co-authored with Fernando Tesón. He also serves as an Associate Editor of Social Philosophy and Policy.

At the Smith Institute, he integrates the study of philosophy, economics, and the humanities through innovative, interdisciplinary, seminar-style courses. His teaching emphasizes independent thinking, active student engagement, and collaborative research between students and faculty. He has recently taught several courses reflecting this approach (see sample syllabi here and here). He is also the founder and former director of Chapman University’s Law and the Liberal Arts program.