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Education

PhD, Philosophy, Loyola University Chicago
MA, Philosophy, Loyola University Chicago
MA, Theology, �鶹��ýӳ�� Theological Seminary
BS, Physics and Mathematics, �鶹��ýӳ��
German Language Studies, Universitat Heidelberg, Germany

Profile

Dr. Karl Soderstrom takes seriously the ancient philosopher Aristotle’s idea that philosophy begins in wonder and contemporary philosopher Emmanuel Levinas’s idea that the encounter with the other person grounds all philosophy in ethics. From these inspirations, his scholarship examines a variety of aspects of the human experience, notably how we become present to the phenomena and persons in our experiences. He has published in phenomenology, ethics, and theology, particularly in virtue ethics. A recent area of research concerns the philosophy of work and its connection to other social and ethical issues. His current research is on the relationship between character virtues in philosophy and psychology, examining how these distinct disciplines conceptualize moral formation.

Regarding his teaching, Soderstrom believes a degree in philosophy is among the most versatile degrees to hold. “Numerous �鶹��ýӳ�� graduates have gone on to top graduate schools and successful careers in politics, art, business, law, community development, ministry, and more. Philosophy majors often score high on graduate entrance exams and gain highly practical skills that are valued in the workplace.”

He believes that “The �鶹��ýӳ�� philosophy program offers an essential preparation for work, life, and faith after college by teaching students how to become public intellectuals in whatever profession or community into which they live. It provides an exciting context for exploration by giving students the freedom to think critically about the most pressing issues facing society.”

Recent Publications

• “Toward An Ecological Work Ethic.” In Ecoflourishing and Virtue: Christian Perspectives Across Disciplines. Routledge, 2025.

• “Living with, not within, Philosophy,” Chapter published in In Praise of Speaking. Apprentice House, 2017.

• The Cardinal and the Deadly: Reimagining the Seven Virtues and Seven Vices. Cascade Books, 2015.

• “Values and Religiosity as Predictors of Engagement in Social Justice.” Co-authored with community psychologist Dr. Susan Torres. Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community, 2013.

Recent Presentations

• “Is there a Place for Me?: What is a Calling within Today’s Capitalist Economy”, �鶹��ýӳ�� Philosophy Symposium. March, 2026
• “Pictures of Progress: Reading Frederick Douglass in a Maximum Security Prison,” Lecture and Photography Gallery Show, Chicago, 2022.
• “An Ecological Work Ethic,” Symposium on Ecological Virtue Ethics hosted by Fresno Pacific University, Yosemite National Park. October 2021.
• “Dialogue on Painting, Ethics, and the Mystery of Presence” with Tim Lowly for the exhibition, “Without Moving: Tondos.” Hofheimer Gallery, Chicago, February 2021.

Professional Organizations & Associations

Professor Clifton-Soderstrom is a member of the Society for Phenomenological and Existential Philosophy and the Society of Christian Ethics.