Sally Scholz, PhD
Professor of Philosophy | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Villanova University
- Villanova PA
Sally Scholz, PhD, is an expert on solidarity, feminism, just war theory and Catholic social thought.
Media
Areas of Expertise
Biography
Dr. Scholz has published widely in social philosophy, including the books "On de Beauvoir," "On Rousseau," "Political Solidarity" and "Feminism: A Beginner's Guide." She has also instructed a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses at Villanova, such as "Philosophy of Women," "Global Feminisms," "Social and Political Philosophy" and "Ethics of War."
Education
Purdue University
PhD
Philosophy
1993
Purdue University
MA
Philosophy
1991
University of Portland
BA
Philosophy and Theology
1989
Select Accomplishments
President, North American Society for Social Philosophy
2015–2019
Editor, Hypatia: A Journal in Feminist Philosophy
July 2013–December 2017
Member, Board of Officers, American Philosophical Association
July 2011–June 2014 and July 2015–June 2018
Co-Editor, Journal for Peace and Justice Studies
August 2006–2011
Editor-in-Chief, American Philosophical Association Newsletter on Feminism and Philosophy
July 2003–June 2008
Recipient, Distinguished Alumni Award, Purdue University College of Liberal Arts
2019
Recipient, Outstanding Faculty Research Award, Villanova University
2014
Recipient, Innovation and Creative Excellence (ICE) Award, Villanova University
2014
Recipient, Gallen Faculty Service Award, Villanova University
2011
Recipient, Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award, Villanova University
2006
Recipient, Critical Incident Teaching Award, Villanova School of Business
2004 and 2006
Affiliations
- American Philosophical Association
- North American Society for Social Philosophy
- International Association for Philosophy of Law and Social Philosophy
- Concerned Philosophers for Peace
- Feminist Ethics and Social Theory
- Society for Women in Philosophy
Select Media Appearances
What to Look for in Pope Leo XIV's First Social Encyclical
Church Life Journal
2026-04-24
"Pope Leo XIV's anticipated social encyclical is expected to address the challenges of artificial intelligence. Discussion of the relationship between humans and technology appears in many of the previous social encyclicals. It is a social phenomenon with so much promise but inspires so much fear for how it will change work and the workplace, communication, global trade, war and the family. The anticipated encyclical will carry forward the tradition to address new challenges with special attention to a number of themes that have animated CST over the last 135 years."
Learning to Be Social
The American Scholar
2025-03-03
"Rousseau's wonderfully rich text—beginning before the birth of Emile and concluding when, as a young adult, he meets his perfect mate—teaches that human beings need to learn how to be social... As we increasingly find ourselves in a world in which trust and generosity are difficult, we can learn to be social by respecting the talents of those around us and by working to create fairness in a democratic society. Circumstances have thrown us together, for better or for worse. Social goodness, when cultivated in the right way, can allow us to reap the rewards of a generous and trusting society. At least that is what Rousseau wanted us to see."
When Should We Mind Our Business Right Now? Here's How to Decide.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
2020-10-07
The classical busybody seeks to intervene all of the time, but they don't have the good of the community in mind, explained Sally Scholz, Villanova University's chair of Philosophy. "In fact, in ancient Greece, the politician was considered a busybody because they didn't really understand what the community needed, or their own motivations. He was just looking to be seen."
How Walkouts at Amazon Mirror Retail Strikes Through History
Adweek
2020-04-15
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, so do reports of protests among the essential workers at companies like Amazon, Whole Foods, Instacart and Target... Sally Scholz, a professor of philosophy at Villanova University, said consumers can help by changing their purchasing habits to buy only what is essential now. "If it isn't, then we need to act in solidarity with these workers and refrain from purchasing it," Scholz said.
Can Diversity Be "Too Much of a Good Thing"? More Americans Wonder.
The Christian Science Monitor
2020-01-31
"Diversity really can be a challenge, and people actually find it very difficult," says Sally Scholz, professor and chair of the philosophy department at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. "But I think part of what the call for diversity and the valuing of pluralism in our culture is, is a call for recognition," continues Dr. Scholz, who studies political solidarity and coalitions of those with diverse cultural and ideological perspectives.
How to Help Your Department Avoid the Ax
The Chronicle of Higher Education
2017-03-19
During midterm exams at Villanova University, more than a dozen philosophy students gathered in the department's offices until late one Tuesday evening. Some popped in for a while and grabbed Indian chicken, rice and bread. Others stayed until nearly midnight, studying and swapping ideas for papers... The midterm study breaks are aimed at building a sense of camaraderie and making majoring in a difficult subject seem more fun. They are just one thing on Sally J. Scholz's long list of ways to bolster the philosophy major at Villanova and protect the department’s future.
What Does Hillary Clinton's Loss Mean for Feminism and Its Future?
National Catholic Reporter
2016-12-07
Comedian and late-night television talk show host Samantha Bee addressed white women voters in a post-election opening monologue: "If Muslims have to take responsibility for every member of their community, so do we"... But Sally Scholz, a philosophy professor at Villanova University, was not nearly as flabbergasted as Bee, noting that "sisterhood has actually long been more of a fiction than a reality," and that Clinton's lack of resounding support from white women is no referendum.
Research Grants
Purdue Research Foundation Summer Grant
Purdue University
Awarded in 1993.
Villanova Faculty Summer Research Grant and Research Support Grant
Villanova University
Received in 2003.
Veritas Research Award
Villanova University
Received in 2005.
Villanova Faculty Summer Research Grant
Villanova University
Received in 2012.
Select Academic Articles
Iris Marion Young on Responsible Intervention: Reimagining Humanitarian Intervention
Journal of Global EthicsSally J. Scholz
2016
Reconceptualizing Work and Building Ruddick's Feminist Solidarity Transnationally
Politics and GenderSally J. Scholz
2015
Transnational Feminist Solidarity and Lessons From the 2011 Protests in Tahrir Square
Global DiscourseSally J. Scholz
2014
