The conscription imperative: Making the case for compulsory service
After serving two years in the Singapore army, senior Timothy Khoh is researching the philosophical and pragmatic arguments for conscription.
Spring 2025 Area Courses
PPEL Ice Cream Social
Join us for an Ice Cream Social featuring DeLuca Gelato on October 16th at Stern Plaza from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy delicious gelato and socialize! See you there!
Animal Suffering: Comparing, Quantifying, and Pricing
Professor Bob Fischer, Texas State University
Is it worse for a sow to be in a crate than it is for a layer hen to be in a cage? Is it worse for a sow to be in crate than it is for 10 hens to be in cages? Is it worth keeping hens in cages if it’s much better for the environment?
Join us for a whirlwind tour of these challenges, and some possible solutions.
Wednesday, October 22, 4:30 p.m.
Brown Alley Room, Weinstein Hall 313
Labor, Value, and Appropriation in Locke
PPEL invites members of the UR community to attend an upcoming talk by Professor Bas van der Vossen, Smith Institute for Political Economy and Philosophy, Chapman University.
Labor, Value, and Appropriation in Locke
What justifies property rights? This talk explores a Lockean answer to that question, arguing that ownership arises not just from labor but whenever the self extends outwardly in ways that are reasonably valued.
Thursday, October 23, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Whitehurst Living Room
Light refreshments will be provided. We hope you can join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking discussion.
PPEL Post Grad Path Event
Thinking about how to leverage your PPEL major as you pursue a career or graduate school? Please join us for a conversation with three PPEL alumni on Thursday, November 20th, from 4:00-6pm, in the Whitehurst Living Room.
More info coming soon!
Upcoming Events
PPEL Feature Stories
UR Now: University News
The University of Richmond course everyone wants to take
Professor Terry Price’s class filled up within minutes. Here’s why students can’t get enough.
From crisis to resilience
Helping people get back on their feet was a common thread in seniors’ internships with human services nonprofits.
UR Now: Student Experience
Diving into Richmond’s First-Year Seminars
Small classes, passionate professors, and skill-building exercises form the premise of this foundational program.
Faculty Highlights
Lefkowitz Published
David Lefkowitz, professor of philosophy and PPEL, published "A New Philosophy for International Legal Skepticism?" in International Theory.
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Lefkowitz Published
David Lefkowitz, professor of philosophy and PPEL, published "Civil Liability for Civil Disobedience" in Annual Review of Law and Ethics.
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Lefkowitz Published
David Lefkowitz, professor of philosophy and PPEL, published "Political Feasibility and a Global Climate Treaty" in Ethics, Policy and Environment.
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Lefkowitz Published
David Lefkowitz, professor of philosophy and PPEL, published "State Consent and the Legitimacy of International Law" in Consenting to International Law.
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Contact Us
Mailing address:PPEL Program
424 Humanities Building
106 UR Drive
University of Richmond, VA 23173
Phone: (804) 289-8529
Fax: (804) 287-6833
PPEL Coordinator: Dr. Jeppe Platz
Academic Administrative Coordinator: Emilee Papa