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ABOUT ME

I am a political theorist whose work addresses the history of political thought, international affairs, issues concerning representation, democratic politics, and the law. I research and teach to help shape the kind of local and global community of engaged citizens where I would like to be a co-citizen. 

I don't think that people are ignorant or that all ignorance is a disease in need of remedy. I believe that when we see ignorance exclusively as a pejorative condition, we reject the value of a resource that in the past has served and today could more effectively serve desirable objectives. 

Lev Marder

My research focuses on mapping the historical and contemporary political uses of ignorance and asks if practices of ignorance can help maintain political order, democratic politics, international relations, and serve other desirable objectives. My current SSHRC funded project examines how democratic regimes incorporate practices of ignorance. The objective is to formulate recommendations for cultivating ignorance conducive to democratic decision-making, political participation, and protection of minority rights and vulnerable groups.  ​

Some of my research appears in the Routledge International Handbook of Ignorance Studies, Philosophy and Social Criticism, Journal of International Political Theory, and Constellations. 

I teach on a broad range of topics ranging from the history of political thought, contemporary political theory, international affairs, and the politics of knowledge and ignorance. 

Most of the photos on the site, by the way, are the work of yours truly. Hope you like them. 

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