Christopher Tollefsen
Professor of Philosophy at the University of South Carolina, scholar of Thomistic natural law and Christian ethics with numerous publications on lying, killing, and bioethics; author of Lying in Christian Ethics and co-author of works with Robert P. George and Farr Curlin.
Top 3 podcasts with Christopher Tollefsen
Ranked by the Snipd community
Mar 12, 2026 • 34min
Is Action Against Iran Justified?, Christopher Tollefsen Debates the Just War Theory & Rep. Ro Khanna on Whether Iran Is an Imminent Threat
Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative from California who voted against labeling Iran a terror state, discusses diplomacy and costs of war. Christopher Tollefsen, Ph.D., scholar of just war theory and Catholic teaching, explains imminence and prevention. They debate whether Iran meets just war standards, the role of diplomacy and JCPOA, and the moral case for preventive action.
Feb 5, 2026 • 51min
The Natural Law Ethics of Killing – Prof. Christopher Tollefsen
Christopher Tollefsen, Professor of Philosophy and Thomistic natural law scholar, explores whether intending the death of an innocent is ever morally permissible. He contrasts Augustine and Aquinas on lying and killing. He explains the doctrine of double effect, intention versus side-effect, self-defense, public authority to use force, and how human dignity informs an absolute prohibition on intending death.
Jan 23, 2026 • 46min
John Paul II on the Value of Human Life and Euthanasia – Prof. Christopher Tollefsen
In this discussion, Christopher Tollefsen, a Professor of Philosophy known for his work in ethics and bioethics, dives into the intricate issues surrounding euthanasia and the value of human life. Tollefsen highlights John Paul II’s teachings on the sanctity of life, asserting that any direct voluntary killing of the innocent is gravely immoral. He also critiques the common assumptions equating treatment refusal with assisted death and discusses the ethical implications of public policy regarding abortion versus physician-assisted suicide.
