- Wielenberg holds a robust form of moral realism according to which (i) moral properties are sui generis, not reducible to other kinds of properties and (ii) objective morality requires no foundation external to itself. He argues in particular that objective morality does not require a theistic foundation. He explains this view and defends it against various challenges in "Robust Ethics: The Metaphysics and Epistemology of Godless Normative Realism" (Oxford 2014). In 2018, Wielenberg participated in a debate about the foundation of morality with prominent Christian philosopher William Lane Craig.
- In recent years Wielenberg has become increasingly interested in psychology and its connections with philosophy. For example, in a couple of papers he argues that the presence of psychopaths in the world presents a serious problem for the divine command theory, and in a chapter for the book "Humility" (Oxford 2019) Wielenberg draws on work in positive psychology to develop a secular account of humility.
Erik Wielenberg
Blair Anderson and Martha Caroline Rieth Chair in Applied Ethics and Professor of Philosophy
ewielenberg@depauw.edu(765) 658-6275
Personal Website
Statement on Scholarly or Artistic Work
Educational Background
- Ph.D. in Philosophy, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- M.A. in Philosophy, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- B.A. in Philosophy, Lawrence University
Teaching Interests
Courses regularly taught: Introduction to Philosophy: Big Questions, Ethical Theory, Free Market Capitalism and Human Nature, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Mind.
Research, Scholarly, Creative Work
Books: "Value and Virtue in a Godless Universe" (Cambridge University Press 2005), "God and the Reach of Reason" (Cambridge University Press 2008), "Robust Ethics: The Metaphysics and Epistemology of Godless Normative Realism" (Oxford University Press 2014), "A Debate on God and Morality", with William Lane Craig and others (Routledge 2020).
Awards and Honors
- Blair Anderson and Martha Caroline Rieth Chair in Applied Ethics, 2023-2028
- Visiting Fellow, Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, University of St. Andrews, 2014-15
- Johnson Family University Professor (for “sustained excellence in teaching effectiveness, professional activity and service”), 2010-2014