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Christopher Robichaud
Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School
Christopher Robichaud is a Senior Lecturer in Ethics and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he also serves as the Director of Pedagogical Innovation at the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics. He has been part of the faculty since 2006 and holds a doctorate in philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) .123
Academic Focus and Contributions
Dr. Robichaud's academic interests encompass ethics, political philosophy, and social epistemology, particularly examining the role of truth and knowledge in functioning democracies, especially in the context of the current post-truth political landscape. He is actively involved in developing ethics pedagogy tailored for professional policymakers, leading the core ethics program for the Master in Public Policy (MPP) curriculum .123
He has innovated the ethics curriculum by incorporating case-based and simulation-driven approaches. Recent projects include developing case studies related to significant contemporary issues, such as those involving Edward Snowden and social justice topics like Eric Garner and economic justice .13
Engagement with Popular Culture
Robichaud is also known for his efforts to make philosophical concepts accessible to broader audiences through popular culture, focusing on superhero narratives. He has contributed to several volumes that explore philosophical themes in superhero stories, such as Superheroes and Philosophy and Batman and Philosophy. Additionally, he developed an EdX course titled "Power and Responsibility: Doing Philosophy with Superheroes" in collaboration with the Smithsonian .123
Teaching and Simulations
In his teaching, Dr. Robichaud emphasizes experiential learning through simulations that allow students to practice ethical decision-making within leadership contexts. These simulations are utilized not only in the MPP program but also across various executive education programs at Harvard .13 His innovative teaching methods earned him the Innovations in Teaching Award at the Harvard Kennedy School in 2015 .3
Previous Experience
Before joining Harvard, he taught philosophy at institutions such as Texas A&M University, Tufts University, and the University of Vermont .12 His diverse teaching background complements his commitment to integrating ethical considerations into public policy education.
In summary, Christopher Robichaud is a prominent figure in ethics education at Harvard, blending philosophical inquiry with practical applications in public policy while engaging with contemporary cultural narratives.