Matt Zwolinski

Matt Zwolinski is a professor of philosophy at the University of San Diego and serves as director of the university's Center for Ethics, Economics, and Public Policy. Zwolinski is recognized for his expertise in libertarian political theory, exploitation, and the concept of universal basic income. He earned his doctorate from the University of Arizona and holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in political science from Santa Clara University, with specializations in political philosophy, business ethics, and the history of political philosophy. He also holds an appointment as an affiliate professor of law at the University of San Diego and is co-director of the university's Institute for Law and Philosophy.

Zwolinski's academic work explores the intersections of ethics, law, and economics, with a focus on exploitation and political libertarianism. He has published extensively on topics in political philosophy, business ethics, and basic income. His work has been cited widely across these fields. Among his published works is the edited volume "Arguing About Political Philosophy," an anthology that includes classic philosophical sources such as Hobbes and Rousseau, as well as contemporary figures and interdisciplinary readings from economists, psychologists, novelists, and legal theorists.

Zwolinski is co-author of "The Individualists: Radicals, Reactionaries, and the Struggle for the Soul of Libertarianism" with John Tomasi, published by Princeton University Press. The book provides an intellectual history of libertarian thought from the 19th century to the present, emphasizing the diversity of ideas within the tradition. He also co-authored "Universal Basic Income: What Everyone Needs to Know" with Miranda Perry Fleischer, published by Oxford University Press. This book examines the history and current debates surrounding universal basic income, including its origins, philosophical underpinnings, and contemporary policy discussions related to technological change and pilot programs in the United States and internationally.

In addition to his academic publications, Zwolinski founded Bleeding Heart Libertarians, a collective blog that later transitioned to Substack. The blog explores the relationship between libertarianism and social justice, emphasizing concern for vulnerable populations within political systems. Zwolinski is a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center and frequently participates in podcasts and public forums, addressing topics such as the history and philosophical foundations of libertarianism, social justice, individual rights, and the role of government. His work bridges academic philosophy and public discourse, contributing to ongoing conversations in political theory, ethics, and public policy.