Marilie Coetsee

I work in social and political philosophy, and specialize in religion and politics. I also do research on political epistemology, moral psychology, philosophy of religion, and Islamic ethics and political philosophy. 

My research currently focuses on three main areas:

1. Religion and Democratic Citizenship:  I show how religion can contribute to political polarization, but also argue that religious communities who develop certain civic virtues may be especially well-placed to use their social capital and commitment to transcendent moral ideals to help fight polarization. I hold that religious citizens may appeal to religious reasons in politics, but should normally only do so if they are prepared to offer other citizens reasons that speak to their own, different religious or philosophical perspectives.

2. Dealing with Deep Disagreement:  Among other things, I argue that citizens and legislators whose political disagreements are rooted in religious and philosophical differences should be willing to reconsider and inquire further about the religious and philosophical beliefs that set them at odds.

3. Defending Democracy to Doubters: I argue that the liberal democratic state has an obligation to defend democratic norms and institutions to its illiberal citizens. 

I am Assistant Professor of Philosophy  at Hope College and a Research Affiliate at the University of Notre Dame's Center for Philosophy of Religion.  I graduated from Rutgers University in 2018 with a PhD in Philosophy and a MA in Religious Studies. Before coming to Rutgers, I earned my BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies (with a minor in Political Science) and MA in Philosophy at Stanford University. 

To find out more about my work, please see the links below or email me at coetsee@hope.edu.