The McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University, Robert P. George, serves as the director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, in 1955, his career bridges the realms of political philosophy and legal scholarship, influencing contemporary discourse on constitutional interpretation, civil liberties, and the intersection of ethics and public policy.
Academic Foundation
George pursued an extensive educational path starting at Swarthmore College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1977. He continued his studies at Harvard University, obtaining a Juris Doctor from the law school and a Master of Theological Studies from the divinity school in 1981. He later moved to the University of Oxford, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in 1986 under the supervision of John Finnis and Joseph Raz. His academic credentials include multiple honorary degrees from Oxford, specifically a Bachelor of Civil Law, Doctor of Civil Law, and a Doctor of Letters.
Princeton and the James Madison Program
Joining the faculty at Princeton University as an instructor in 1985, George advanced to a tenure-track assistant professor position the following year. He became an associate professor with tenure in 1994 and attained the rank of professor in 1999. In this role, he assumed the McCormick Chair of Jurisprudence. In 2000, he founded the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Beyond Princeton, he holds the Ronald Reagan Honorary Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Nootbaar Honorary Distinguished Professor of Law at Pepperdine University, while also serving as a fellow at the Witherspoon Institute and the American Enterprise Institute.
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George is noted for his public intellectual work, often involving collaboration with figures from across the political spectrum. He frequently engages in dialogue with Cornel West, with whom he co-authored the 2025 book Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division. Their joint efforts focus on promoting free speech and truth-seeking on university campuses. Throughout his career, he has addressed various societal issues, participating in the drafting of the 2009 Manhattan Declaration and working with religious leaders to combat anti-Semitism and exploitation.
Political Evolution
Originally involved with the Democratic Party, serving as the Governor of the West Virginia Democratic Youth Conference and attending the 1976 Democratic National Convention, George shifted his political alignment in the 1980s. This transition stemmed from his stance on legal abortion and reservations regarding large-scale social welfare initiatives. His later political activities included chairing the National Organization for Marriage and founding the American Principles Project. In the 2016 Republican primaries, he supported Ted Cruz and expressed opposition to the candidacy of Donald Trump.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Morgantown, West Virginia
- Current Position: McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
- Education: Swarthmore College, Harvard University, University of Oxford
- Primary Fields: Legal scholar, political philosopher
- Key Program Founded: James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions
- Notable Recognition: Presidential Citizens Medal
- Recent Publication: Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division (2025)
- Religious Affiliation: Catholic Church
Questions readers ask
What subjects does Robert P. George teach?
He lectures on constitutional interpretation, civil liberties, philosophy of law, and political philosophy.
What is the focus of the James Madison Program?
It is an academic program based at Princeton University focused on American ideals and institutions.
Is Robert P. George affiliated with any specific religious organizations?
He is a member of the Catholic Church and has worked with various religious leaders on issues concerning religious liberty and ethics.
Achievements
- Presidential Citizens Medal
- Held posts at Princeton University
