Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law

Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law

The major in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law, or PPEL, provides an interdisciplinary course of study with a focus on normative questions of law and public policy.

Major & ConcentrationsCoursesFrequently Asked Questions

Spring 2025 Area Courses

Ice Cream Social Fall 25

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!

Flyer for Animal Suffering: Comparing, Quantifying, and Pricing

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

Flyer for Locke PPEL talk

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.

Grad Path F25

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!

Faculty Highlights

Dr. David Lefkowitz
Lefkowitz Published

David Lefkowitz, professor of philosophy and PPEL, published "A New Philosophy for International Legal Skepticism?" in International Theory.

View Bio

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