We are delighted to congratulate our Tutorial Fellow in Philosophy, Associate Professor Karen Margrethe Nielsen, on being awarded the title of full professor in the University of Oxford’s Recognition of Distinction scheme 2025.
Professor Nielsen is a specialist in ancient philosophy, whose research has a special emphasis on Aristotle’s ethics and moral psychology. She was recently the recipient of a Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship (2022-24), which will result in the forthcoming monograph Prohairesis: Aristotle’s Theory of Decision and its Legacy. Professor Nielsen’s other major publications include Vice in Ancient Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle on Moral Ignorance and Corruption of Character (CUP, 2023) and, as co-editor, Bridging the Gap between Aristotle’s Science and Ethics (CUP, 2015). At Somerville, Professor Nielsen delivers tutorials on Greek and Latin philosophy, moral philosophy and ethics, among others, and has convened graduate seminars examining Aristotle’s Defence of Natural Slavery, Vice in Ancient Philosophy and Aristotle’s Three Ethics.
Of her appointment, Professor Nielsen commented that, ‘I am thrilled to be part of Somerville’s long tradition for historically informed philosophical inquiry and grateful to colleagues and students for creating such an inspiring research environment.’
Professor Nielsen in conversation with Dr Elena Cagnoli Fiecconi at Somerville College, October 2024. Credit: Margaret Hampson