University of Birmingham makes key appointments in Jain Studies

12 June 2023

The University of Birmingham has made three key tutorial appointments in establishing its new world-leading educating and analysis portfolio in Jainism.

Revealed at this time the teachers taking over these posts will develop educating and analysis in Jainism and modern points.

Dr Areti Theofilopoulou has been appointed Assistant Professor in the Ethics of Non-Violence. She is at present a Postdoctoral Fellow on the Interdisciplinary Research Lab for Bioethics on the Institute of Philosophy, Czech Academy of Sciences. Her analysis examines the intersection between political philosophy and utilized ethics and the ethics of private relationships, significantly on home violence. She will begin her new place on the University of Birmingham in September.

Dr Theofilopoulou says: “I’m honoured to hitch the Bhagavan Dharmanath Jain Studies providing on the University of Birmingham because the Assistant Professor in the Ethics of Non-Violence. Jainism’s profound teachings on ahimsa (non-violence) and its influence on private, social and environmental well-being align completely with my very own tutorial pursuits. I’m excited to have interaction with college students and students alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the ethics of non-violence.”

Dr Marie-Hélène Gorisse has been introduced as Dharmanath Assistant Professor in Jain Studies. She beforehand held a place as a Research Fellow in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion on the University of Birmingham. Her analysis focuses on Jainism, on the way in which Jain thought developed in dialogue with different South Asian spiritual traditions, and on the modern relevance of Jainism as a contributor to the examine of faith, theology and international philosophy of faith.

Dr Gorisse commented: “Jainism has rather a lot to contribute to discussions which might be shaping the world of tomorrow, particularly regarding environmental sustainability and international ethics. As the Dharmanath Assistant Professor in Jain Studies, I’m excited and honoured to be instrumental in making certain there’s dialogue between lecturers, the Jain neighborhood in Birmingham, in the UK and globally, and our college students on these topical points.”

Jinesh Sheth will be part of the University of Birmingham as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Jain Studies. He is at present in the ultimate phases of finishing his PhD on ‘A Critical Study of Anekāntavāda’ on the Department of Philosophy, University of Mumbai.

Jinesh Sheth says: “I’m so happy to hitch the Bhagavan Dharmanath Jain Studies providing as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow. It is a superb alternative for me to additional pursue my analysis and have interaction with students working in the fields of philosophy, theology, faith and Jain research. I additionally stay up for connecting with the broader neighborhood, fostering a deeper appreciation for Jain values and their sensible software in the fashionable world.”

The new tutorial workforce will cowl a variety of matters, together with Jainism, peace and battle decision, environmental ethics, ecology and animal rights throughout theology, faith and ethics. The workforce will even help the just lately launched specialist Masters Pathway in the Global Philosophy of Religion and Doctoral Research in Jain Studies.

The University introduced the creation of a Jain Studies providing in December 2022 – made potential via a present of $1.5million to the University from a gaggle of philanthropists, together with Dr Jasvant Modi, representing US donors and, Nemu Chandaria OBE, from the Institute of Jainology, representing UK donors.

Dr Jasvant Modi says: “I’m actually honoured and immensely proud to witness the University of Birmingham’s momentous step in establishing a workforce of students who will contribute world-leading educating and analysis in Jainism. The appointment of these three esteemed researchers signifies a profound dedication to advancing the understanding and appreciation of Jain rules and philosophies. Together, we embark on a transformative journey, fostering a deeper understanding of compassion, non-violence, and harmonious coexistence to contribute to a extra empathetic and sustainable world.”

Professor Charlotte Hempel, Head of the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion on the University of Birmingham, commented: “I warmly congratulate Areti, Marie-Hélène and Jinesh on their new roles and stay up for welcoming this excellent workforce of students and educators in Jain Studies to the University of Birmingham.

“These key appointments are an thrilling step ahead for the event of Jain Studies at Birmingham and imply we will now increase and develop our current analysis and educating in Jainism, which won’t solely profit our college students but additionally the educational neighborhood, in addition to improve public data and understanding on the subject. I’m actually trying ahead to seeing this funding in Jainism bear fruit in the classroom and analysis on the existential points we face at this time.”