David O. Brink

I am Professor in the Philosophy Department at the University of California, San Diego, Affiliate Professor at the University of San Diego School of Law, and a Director of the Institute for Law and Philosophy at the University of San Diego School of Law.

My research interests are in ethical theory, history of ethics, moral psychology, political philosophy, and jurisprudence.

In particular, my work in ethical theory focuses on foundational issues about objectivity (whether there are right answers to moral issues), normativity (why we should care about morality), practical reason, the good, and the nature of moral demands. My approach blends historical concern with the views of important figures and traditions in the history of ethics and systematic concern with the clearest and most plausible formulations of first principles.

My work in political philosophy concerns the nature of justice, rights, and constitutional democracy.

My work in jurisprudence focuses on traditional issues in analytical jurisprudence about the nature of law, legal interpretation, and determinacy in the law; issues in constitutional jurisprudence about interpretation, individual rights, and judicial review; and issues in criminal jurisprudence about responsibility, culpability, excuse, and punishment.

My two most recent books are Fair Opportunity and Responsibility (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2021) and Mill’s Progressive Principles (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2013).