William S. Kombian is Doctoral Student Affiliate at the Kellogg Institute for International Studies and a PhD candidate (ABD) in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He also has a MA Philosophy from the University of Sheffield (UK). His research lies at the intersection of moral and political philosophy, with a particular focus on the normative foundations of climate change policy. Drawing on the Rawlsian and contemporary theories of justice, his work examines how principles of fairness and responsibility should guide global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change – especially in ways that acknowledge and respond to historical injustice.
Beyond environmental ethics, William’s interests extend to African philosophy, the philosophy of race, and the moral legacies of slavery and colonialism. He investigates how historical systems of domination continue to shape global inequalities and explores philosophical frameworks that can illuminate pathways toward repair and justice. His goal is to advance philosophical inquiry that not only deepens theoretical understanding but also informs practical, equitable, and globally inclusive approaches to climate governance and moral responsibility.