
B.A. Yale University; Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh
Melissa Merritt is a philosopher working primarily on the history of ethics. Her book, Kant on Reflection and Virtue (Cambridge University Press, 2018), examines how the Kantian idea of virtue is rooted in an account of the essentially reflective nature of the rational mind. Her current research examines the influence of Stoic philosophy on Immanuel Kant, particularly in ethics and moral psychology -- and from this historical foundation aims to reassess the possibilities of moral rationalism in contemporary ethics.
Merritt is currently an ARC Future Fellow working on a project called Reason, Value, and Virtue: Assessing the Stoic Legacy in Kantian Ethics (FT180100494, 2018-2022), and Associate Professor of philosophy in the School of Humanities and Languages at UNSW.
Australian Research Council (ARC), Future Fellowship: "Reason, Value, and Virtue: Assessing the Stoic Legacy in Kantian Ethics" (FT180100494, AU$850,525), 2018-2022.
Australian Research Council (ARC), Discovery Project, Chief Investigator: "Enlightened Judgment: Reflection and Cognitive Virtue in Kant’s Critical Philosophy" (DP130100172, AU$135,000), 2013-2015.
2019 North American Kant Society Book Prize for Kant on Reflection and Virtue
2019 Dean's Research Award for Best Monograph, UNSW Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (now ADA)
2005 Review of Metaphysics Dissertation Essay Competition, winner