Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Rss
Picture of Christopher O. Tollefsen

Christopher O. Tollefsen

Christopher Tollefsen is Professor of Philosophy at the University of South Carolina. His forthcoming book, Killing and Christian Ethics, will be published by Cambridge University Press. In 2025-26 he will serve as Interim Executive Director for the University of South Carolina’s Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse.

Public Discourse

Is There Value in Religious Pluralism?

By
If religious traditions, belief systems, and moral frameworks are the result of a genuine commitment to and search for the truth, then disagreement of truth claims among adherents must be taken as a sign that some, or even all, of the searches have failed. How can this be a good state of affairs?
Public Discourse

Torture: What it is, and Why it is Wrong

By
The recent publication of the Torture Memos and of the International Red Cross report on the treatment of high-level detainees in the aftermath of 9/11 has returned to national prominence the discussion of the morality of torture and “enhanced interrogation” techniques. It is important to be clear, as a moral matter, on what boundaries should be accepted in interrogation of human beings; a responsible and non-politicized discussion is essential on this difficult issue.
Public Discourse

Should the Obama Conscience Rules Seek to Protect Persons or Provide Benefits?

By
The state is required to protect persons not just from physical harm but from being forced to violate their limited but definite freedom of conscience.
Public Discourse

Liberty, Authority, and the Good of Religion

By
Religious liberty and religious authority are frequently seen in tension, but they need not conflict. In fact, a proper understanding of both shows that they are equally necessary for full human flourishing.
Public Discourse

An Absolute Liberty of Conscience?

By
Freedom of conscience is an important, though limited, right. In some cases a state may prevent someone from acting on her conscientious judgments. But in other cases—such as those in which a pro-life doctor is required to perform an abortion—the violation of conscience is intrinsically unjust.
Public Discourse

What We Should Do About Natural Embryo Loss

By
While abortion opponents decry the deliberate destruction of human embryos, as many as half of all embryos are lost naturally. How should pro-life advocates address this problem?
Public Discourse

Welfare Rights vs. Welfare States

By
Welfare rights really do exist, and are usually best provided for by voluntary associations. Still, even if states aren’t always the best solution, they do have a role to play.