My philosophical interests are centered around ethics and practical philosophy. I research topics in these fields from different systematic perspectives, ranging from applied ethics, normative ethics and metaethics, to the history of ethics and philosophy. At present, my research particularly centers on ethical questions related to artificial intelligence.
In my present research, I am working on ethical topics concerned with the new emerging AI-technologies. A summary of my thoughts on the ethical challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence is available in the co-authored book „Künstliche Intelligenz“ (de Gruyter, 2022). Currently, I am developing a series of articles that explore the ethical challenges of AI, specifically its potential interference with the normative dimension of leading a meaningful life (see Nyholm/Rüther 2023, Knell/Ruether 2023 & Rüther 2024). I am also engaged with a wide range of issues in the ethics of technology in general, including the self-understanding of medical ethics, ethical dilemmas at the inception of life, quality of life research in medicine, and the concept of illness in psychology and psychiatry. A significant focus of my work involves ethical inquiries surrounding the concept of human enhancement. Some of my recent thoughts on this topic can be found in a report titled „Neuroenhancement“ (Alber, 2022) and the book „Technologische Selbstoptimierung“ (Metzler, 2022).
You can find a complete list of my works here.
In normative ethics, I engage in the debate on the normative theory of the good life, where I advocate for an Objective List Theory. As one of the core components of this list, I identify the dimension of meaningfulness or ‚meaning in life.‘ I have developed my own normative theory of meaningfulness, called deontological objectivism, in my book “Sinn im Leben. Eine ethische Theorie“ (Suhrkamp, 2023). Currently, I am working on further elaborating and substantiating the theory in its different aspects, particularly focusing on its application to questions of applied ethics.
You can find a complete list of my works here.
In metaethics, I mainly deal with ontological and metaphysical questions where I advocate a robust version of non-natural realism. This has been outlined in my PhD dissertation “Objektivität und Moral” (mentis, 2013) and several articles and book chapters. In the recent past, I have been working on a metaphysically robust interpretation of the term „mental independence“. Currently, I am also addressing the relationship between moral realism and the theory of evolution in various talks.
You can find a complete list of my works here.
In my publications and research activities, I primarily focus on ancient ethics (Aristotle, Roman Stoicism) and German Idealism (Kant, Hegel), and how these traditions are reflected in the works of 20th-century analytic philosophy (e.g., Korsgaard, Parfit, McDowell). When engaging with these influential authors, my systematic aim is to relate the various traditions to each other in a productive way and make them relevant to contemporary inquiries.
You can find a complete list of my works here.