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T.M. (Tijn) Smits MA

Faculty of Humanities
Capaciteitsgroep Philosophy and Public Affairs

Visiting address
  • Oude Turfmarkt 141
Postal address
  • Postbus 94201
    1090 GE Amsterdam
Contact details
  • Profile

    Profile
    I am a PhD candidate in the NWO-funded project "Moral Truth: Exploring the Concept of Practical Cognition in Kant's Ethics" (PI: Thomas Nys, additional supervisors: Beate Roessler, Pauline Kleingeld) at the UvA Department of Philosophy.

    PhD Project
    In this project, I analyze the concept of practical cognition in the works of Immanuel Kant. Although Kant often uses this notion to refer to our awareness of moral principles and objects, a systematic account of its definition and conditions of use is lacking. Providing this account will lead to a better understanding of what 'moral cognition' consists of. Moreover, the notion of cognition is closely related to knowledge. Broad consensus exists that theoretical cognition can lead to theoretical knowledge. I aim to sketch a parallel relationship in the practical domain, arguing for a more robust attitude to moral judgments.

    Areas of Interest
    Generally, my interests lie in ethics and epistemology, especially where the two intersect. I like to delve into parallels between theoretical and practical methodology, their intersections in meta-ethics, and the moral evaluation or implications of ('bad') beliefs. I typically approach these questions from a Kantian framework, both from a historical and contemporary standpoint.

    Additionally, I have worked on a Kantian account of climate ethics. I am interested in how Kantians can circumvent the problem of inefficacy, define what it means to do our 'fair share', and connect the ethical and the political.

    Further Affiliations
    In addition to being a long-standing member of the UvA Philosophy Department (previously as a BA student, RMA student, and junior lecturer), I am a member of the NWO-funded research group 'Kant, Kantianism, and Morality' led by Pauline Kleingeld. In 2024/2025, I am visiting Goethe-University Frankfurt and Princeton University.

    Please reach out if our interests align!

  • Publications

    2024

    This list of publications is extracted from the UvA-Current Research Information System. Questions? Ask the library or the Pure staff of your faculty / institute. Log in to Pure to edit your publications. Log in to Personal Page Publication Selection tool to manage the visibility of your publications on this list.
  • Ancillary activities
    No ancillary activities