Rate Professor Holly Lawford-Smith

Professional Summary: Professor Holly Lawford-Smith

Professor Holly Lawford-Smith is a distinguished academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a focus on philosophy. Her work spans critical areas of social, political, and feminist philosophy, contributing significantly to contemporary debates in these fields.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Lawford-Smith holds advanced degrees in philosophy, reflecting her deep engagement with the discipline:

• PhD in Philosophy, Australian National University (ANU), 2010
• Master of Arts in Philosophy, University of Otago, New Zealand
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy, University of Otago, New Zealand

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research primarily focuses on:

• Social and Political Philosophy
• Feminist Philosophy, with a particular emphasis on gender-critical perspectives
• Ethics and Collective Responsibility
• Philosophy of Action and Social Ontology

Professor Lawford-Smith is known for her rigorous analysis of complex social issues, often engaging with controversial topics in gender and identity politics through a philosophical lens.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Lawford-Smith has held several academic positions, reflecting her growing prominence in the field:

• Associate Professor in Political Philosophy, University of Melbourne, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies (current position)
• Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield, Department of Philosophy, UK (prior to Melbourne)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Australian National University, Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not widely documented in public sources, her career trajectory and contributions suggest recognition within philosophical circles through competitive academic appointments and research funding.

Key Publications

Professor Lawford-Smith has authored and contributed to several impactful works, including books and peer-reviewed articles. Notable publications include:

• Gender-Critical Feminism (Oxford University Press, 2022) – A seminal work articulating her views on feminist theory and gender identity.
• Not In Their Name: Are Citizens Culpable for Their States’ Actions? (Oxford University Press, 2019) – Exploring collective responsibility and political ethics.
• Numerous articles in leading philosophy journals such as The Australasian Journal of Philosophy, Ethics, and Philosophical Studies, covering topics from social ontology to feminist ethics.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Lawford-Smith has made a notable impact in feminist and political philosophy, particularly through her gender-critical stance, which has sparked both support and debate within academic and public spheres. Her work on collective responsibility and social ontology has also contributed to discussions on how individuals relate to systemic harms. Her publications are widely cited, and she is a recognized voice in contemporary philosophical debates on gender and ethics.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Lawford-Smith is actively engaged in the broader academic community through public-facing work and professional service:

• Regular speaker at international philosophy conferences and public lectures on feminist theory and political philosophy.
• Contributor to public discourse through opinion pieces and interviews on gender-critical feminism in various media outlets.
• Involved in academic committees and editorial roles, though specific details of current positions are not fully documented in public sources.