Prof. Dr. Barbara Vetter – Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizewinner 2026
Theoretical Philosophy, FU Berlin
Philosophy has always been concerned with the idea of possibility. A plurality of possible worlds is the domineering model in contemporary analytical philosophy. Barbara Vetter has conducted a fundamental critical review of this model and has developed an alternative concept, the concept of potentiality, in which possibilities are seen as the driving force and capacity of the present-day world. Her paper was praised in expert circles, among other things for its technical virtuosity, and has had considerable impact on current debate. Vetter is now working on further developing this approach in epistemological terms as well as in terms of action theory: how does capability differ from other possibilities, such as predisposition? How do cognitive and practical abilities relate to one another? How can we find out about our own abilities? Her hypothesis is that knowledge of one’s own abilities and options for action forms the foundation of an acting individual’s knowledge of their possibilities. With her work, Vetter contributes to making Germany an internationally interesting place for contemporary analytical metaphysics, epistemology and action theory.
Barbara Vetter studied philosophy at the University of Erlangen and the University of Oxford, where she earned her doctorate in 2010. She became a junior professor at the HU Berlin in late 2010. In 2016, she accepted a post at the University of Erlangen, before taking over her current role as Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at the FU Berlin. Vetter has received numerous prestigious awards, such as the Wolfgang Stegmüller Award from the Society for Analytic Philosophy and the Hanfling Scholar of the Faculty of Philosophy Award of the University of Oxford. She is an active member of the management bodies of national and international academic organisations and the co-spokesperson of the Human Abilities DFG Centre for Advanced Studies. In addition, Barbara Vetter is dedicated to counteracting the under-representation of women in philosophy.
GEPRIS
In our information system GEPRI(externer Link) you will find an overview of current and completed projects of Barbara Vetter.