Philosopher Peter Kampits, advocate for ethics education, dies at 83

Peter Kampits, a prominent Austrian philosopher and advocate for ethics education, has passed away at the age of 83 following a prolonged illness. Kampits was a significant figure in academia, serving as the founding dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Sciences at the University of Vienna and co-initiating the Danube University Krems.

Born in Vienna in 1942, Kampits was a specialist in the works of Jean-Paul Sartre and a keen observer of contemporary philosophy. His academic career included doctoral studies at the University of Vienna and postgraduate work at the Sorbonne in Paris. He later habilitated at the University of Vienna with a thesis on Sartre and Gabriel Marcel, whom he also translated into German. Kampits held a professorship from 1977 and led the Institute of Philosophy at the University of Vienna for two terms, guiding its reorientation.

Beyond his academic contributions, Kampits was actively involved in university policy and frequently shared his views on societal trends through numerous publications, radio, and television appearances. He served as president of the Austrian Society for Philosophy from 1988 to 1990. As the first dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Sciences from 2004 to 2008, he played a crucial role in shaping the faculty's direction.

Kampits was known for his critical engagement with various societal issues. He expressed skepticism towards the Bologna Process in higher education and took stances on debates surrounding assisted suicide. In recent years, he voiced critical opinions regarding developments during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly expressing reservations about vaccine mandates. He also commented on the Ukraine war, earning an honorary doctorate from the University of Kyiv. His engagement with medical ethics, including his membership in the Bioethics Commission, and his consistent advocacy for mandatory ethics education in schools and universities underscored his commitment to philosophical inquiry and its societal relevance.