Ulf Torbjörn Harald Tännsjö, born in Västerås in 1946, serves as a prominent professor of philosophy and a distinct voice in Swedish public discourse. Throughout his career, he has navigated the intersection of academic research, political participation, and the rigorous examination of medical ethics, establishing himself as a recurring figure within both national and international intellectual spheres.
Academic Appointments and Research
Tännsjö established his academic career by serving as an associate professor of philosophy at Stockholm University between 1976 and 1993. Following a tenure as a research fellow in political philosophy for the Swedish Research Council in the Humanities and Social Sciences, he became a professor of practical philosophy at the University of Gothenburg in 1995, a role he held until 2001. In 2002, he returned to Stockholm University as a professor of practical philosophy. Furthermore, he maintains a role as an affiliated professor of medical ethics at the Karolinska Institute and has twice completed fellowships at the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study in Uppsala during the autumn terms of 2008 and 2015.
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His work extends beyond the classroom into policy and public advocacy. He has contributed to the medical ethics boards of the University of Gothenburg and the Karolinska Institute, alongside serving on the medical ethics committee of the National Board of Health and Welfare. He maintains a visible presence in media, frequently engaging in public debates regarding moral theory. His ethical framework, which is rooted in utilitarianism, has sparked critical discourse with various groups, including the Swedish Christian Democrats and members of the medical establishment. In 2020, he received the Ethics Prize from the Swedish National Council on Medical Ethics.
Political Activities and Worldview
His political involvement began in 1970 when he joined the Left Party. He was a contributor to the initial party programme drafted after the organization moved away from its communist identity in 1990. Beyond domestic politics, he supports the movement to establish a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly, advocating for a more accountable global political system. His philosophical scope is broad, addressing topics ranging from global democracy and the ethics of sport to complex questions of terminal sedation and genetic technology. In 2001, he participated in a public debate against William Lane Craig concerning the relationship between morality and the existence of God.
Published Scholarly Contributions
His extensive bibliography includes monographs such as Moral Realism, Hedonistic Utilitarianism, and Taking Life: Three Theories on the Ethics of Killing. His writing often addresses the practical application of normative theories, as seen in works like Coercive Care: The Ethics of Choice in Health and Medicine and Setting Health-Care Priorities: What Ethical Theories Tell Us. Recently, he authored an intellectual autobiography published in two volumes in Swedish. While his positions on issues such as euthanasia and abortion have been described by some critics as unconventional, his work is also noted for its commitment to clarity and the rigorous presentation of opposing arguments.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Västerås
- Citizenship: Sweden
- Primary Field: Practical Philosophy
- Party Membership: Left Party (since 1970)
- Notable Recognition: Ethics Prize, Swedish National Council on Medical Ethics (2020)
- Affiliations: Stockholm University, University of Gothenburg, Karolinska Institute
- Languages: Swedish, English
Questions readers ask
What is Tännsjö's primary area of study?
He is a philosopher specializing in practical philosophy and medical ethics.
Has he held significant international roles?
He serves on the editorial boards of several international journals, including Bioethics, the Journal of Controversial Ideas, and the Monash Bioethics Review.
Achievements
- Held posts at Stockholm University and University of Gothenburg
