Specializing in Leibniz studies, philosophy of AI. Currently teaching Philosophy & AI Ethics at Ulm University of Applied Sciences.
Philosophy lecturer seeking postdoctoral position to return to full-time academic research. PhD magna cum laude in Leibniz studies (Universität Augsburg, 2006).
My dissertation, Virtualität bei Leibniz: Eine Retrospektive, provides the first systematic analysis of virtuality in Leibniz's complete works, demonstrating how the Monadology functions as an ontology of virtuality that anticipates contemporary debates about virtual reality and computational ontology.
After 16 years in education, strategic communications, and entrepreneurship—roles. I am returning to academia with clear focus on re-establishing myself in philosophical research and contributing productively to the scholarly community.
Currently: Teaching "Philosophy and Sociology for Engineers" at Ulm University of Applied Sciences, where I help engineering students engage with ethics, technology responsibility, and philosophical thinking.
Universität Augsburg, 2006 (magna cum laude)
First systematic philological analysis of virtuality in Leibniz's complete works. Reading of Monadology as ontology of virtuality. Demonstrates anticipation of contemporary media-based concepts of reality.
Examining how Leibniz's monadology illuminates modular AI architectures. How "windowless" monads coordinating via pre-established harmony mirror contemporary AI systems where specialized modules operate independently yet achieve coordinated results.
Extending dissertation analysis to contemporary information infrastructure. How Leibniz's concept of virtuality—neither merely potential nor fully actual—provides conceptual resources for understanding virtual reality, information systems, and digital ontology.
Drawing on professional experience with strategic decision-making and research in ancient/early modern philosophy. What philosophical resources—from Aristotelian phronesis to Leibnizian probability theory—can illuminate contemporary decision theory?
Lecturer in Philosophy
Hochschule Ulm (Ulm University of Applied Sciences)
March 2024 – Present
Teaching "Philosophy and Sociology for Engineers" with focus on (AI) ethics, technology responsibility, and applied philosophical thinking. Developed problem-based approach connecting philosophical frameworks to real engineering dilemmas.
Philosophy Instructor
Universität Augsburg & Universität Ulm
2003 – 2008
Taught 15+ undergraduate seminars covering ancient philosophy, early modern metaphysics, ethics, and methods courses. Specialized in Leibniz's philosophy, ancient Greek thought, and practical philosophy. Assisted 7+ PhD students with dissertations.
Okolowitz, Herbert (2006). Virtualität bei Leibniz. Eine Retrospektive [Leibniz on Virtuality. A Retrospective]. Doctoral dissertation, Universität Augsburg.
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Okolowitz, Herbert (2007). Review of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Frühe Schriften zum Naturrecht, ed. Hubertus Busche. Philosophisches Jahrbuch 114(1).
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Leibniz Edition Potsdam (2008). Manuscript editing and research assistance. Acknowledged in: Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm. Sämtliche Schriften und Briefe, Reihe IV, Band 6, S. XVIII.
Griffl.org Blog (2023–present). Exploring the Future: Instructional Design and AI. Essays on AI ethics, educational technology, and philosophical foundations of artificial intelligence.
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AI Context Builder (2025). Educational tool for personalized AI instruction. Philosophy-informed design for teaching and learning contexts.
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I am seeking postdoctoral positions in early modern philosophy (especially Leibniz studies), philosophy of AI, or general philosophy. Open to positions throughout Europe and internationally.
Location: Barcelona, Spain (available for relocation within EU)
Languages: German (native), English (C2), Italian (C1), Spanish (C1), French (B2), Latin (Latinum), Ancient Greek (Graecum)