New Senator William McMaster Chair in Constitutional Studies appointed

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Waluchow08.jpg” caption=”Philosophy Professor Will Waluchow is the new Senator William McMaster Chair in Constitutional Studies. Photo by Melyssa Morris.”]

With analysis of Canada's constitution dominating recent headlines, the appointment of the newest Senator William McMaster Chair in Constitutional Studies is a timely reminder of the role the constitution plays in our daily lives.

Wil Waluchow, a professor in the Department of Philosophy and a renowned research scholar in constitutional studies, is the new chairholder.

His research focuses on constitutional theory, applied ethics and social and political philosophy.

“I wish to both thank the University and applaud its wisdom in establishing the McMaster Chair program,” said Waluchow. “It signals, in a tangible way, the University's recognition of the many valuable contributions made by members of the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences.”

As chair he plans on completing a new book, further exploring and analyzing themes from his most recent publication: A Common Law Theory of Judicial Review: The Living Tree. Waluchow will also use the new resources available to him to bring high profile philosophers and legal scholars to campus for guest lectures and seminars on constitutional theory.

“Professor Waluchow's international scholarly reputation is nothing short of stellar in legal philosophy and in applied ethics,” said Suzanne Crosta, dean of the Faculty of Humanities. “His remarkable intellectual leadership is highlighted by his building bridges across disciplines and national borders to enrich not only his own research projects but also the scholarly community in general.”

Waluchow has been published widely on these topics, authouring articles for The Philosophical Quarterly, The Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, Osgoode Hall Law Journal, among others. Recent works include “Constitutional Morality and Bills of Rights”, in Expounding the Constitution: Essays in Constitutional Theory (2008) and the forthcoming “Four Concepts of Validity: Reflections on Inclusive and Exclusive Positivism”, in The Rule of Recognition and the United States Constitution (2009).

Waluchow earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Western Ontario and a D. Phil from Oxford University and was a 2008 Distinguished ATLAS Lecturer at Osgoode Hall this summer. He is a member of the Canadian Philosophical Association and the International Society for Social and Legal Philosophy. He is often cited by media on issues including business ethics and legal issues.

“Professor Waluchow's opinion on legal matters is often sought and his work is being used in newly-democratic countries in the construction of their legal systems. Our faculty is proud to pay tribute to our colleague on this well-deserved accomplishment,” added Crosta.

In May 2004, as part of its ongoing commitment to research and education, McMaster University established five prestigious endowed research chairs in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Research excellence, distinguished and sustained scholarly work, and a commitment to education are the main criteria for appointment to a Senator William McMaster Chair in the Humanities. An accomplished scholar and researcher, Waluchow's appointment as the second Senator William McMaster Chair in the Humanities will further enhance McMaster's reputation in the field of Constitutional Studies.