Dear Members of the Trinity College Community:
I am delighted to announce that commencing July 1, 2014, Dr. Michael Kessler has been appointed as the Raymond Pryke Chair in the Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program at Trinity College in the University of Toronto.
As Assistant Professor and Director of the Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program, Michael will teach in the program, represent the program, and work towards its development and growth. The Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program provides first-year students with the opportunity to explore major issues and ideas pertaining to human life and world affairs, while in a small group environment conducive to deep discussion and interactions. The program has streams in: International Relations; Ethics, Society & Law; Policy, Philosophy & Economics; the Anne Steacy Biomedical Health; the Anne Steacy Medicine & Global Health; and the Butterfield Environment & Sustainability.
Michael Kessler is a graduate of the University of Toronto, (Honours BA with high distinction) and an alumnus of Trinity College. He went on to complete his PhD in political philosophy at Harvard University in 2011. His dissertation focused on Kantian political philosophy with an emphasis on the intersection of moral, political, and legal philosophy. Shortly after completing his doctorate, Michael was appointed Director of Undergraduate Studies & Lecturer, Department of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh, a post he held for three academic years.
Michael’s research interests lie at the intersection of moral, political and legal philosophy. He is currently working on a project on the nature of impaired consent and its implications for law and public policy. In addition, Michael writes about the political value of freedom of expression, as well moral issues concerning our treatment of non-human animals. He has taught a number of courses that cover topics such as the philosophy of law, applied ethics, political philosophy, and the practical philosophy of Immanuel Kant.
Please join me in congratulating Michael on his appointment and in welcoming him back to Trinity College.
Yours sincerely,
Mayo Moran
Provost & Vice-Chancellor