Richard Child

Teaching Ethos

I have taught a wide range of courses in political theory, legal theory, and ethics. When I teach I aim to do four things:

1. Help students understand why they should care about what I am teaching and why it is important to study it.

2. Exemplify the intellectual rigour and clarity of thought and expression that I want students to gradually learn for themselves.

3. Challenge confident students while helping and encouraging less confident students.

4. Make my lectures and seminars enjoyable experiences.

I completed my BA in Politics and Philosophy (2002-2005), MA in Political Theory (2005-2006), and PhD in Political Theory (2006-2010), all in the Politics Department at the University of Manchester. In October 2010 I began a two year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cambridge that was jointly hosted by the Philosophy and Law Faculties.

In September 2012 I returned to Politics at the University of Manchester to take up a post as Lecturer in Political Theory.

My research focuses primarily on theories of justice, legitimacy and punishment. Within these broad areas I am especially interested in theories of global justice and the relationship between legitimate authority and state punishment.

I am happy to supervise PhDs on these and related areas.