VATICAN CITY, OCT. 2, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI named Russell Hittinger, a U.S. philosophy professor, and Janne Haaland Matlary, a Norwegian political science professor, as ordinary members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
A Vatican communiqué reported the appointments today of the two members who will serve in the academy that is led by Mary Ann Glendon, former ambassador of the United States to the Holy See.
Hittinger, who was born in Virginia in 1949, is currently the chair of the department of philosophy and religion at the University of Tulsa, where he holds the William K. Warren Chair of Catholic Studies.
He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, and afterward got his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of St. Louis.
Hittinger has taught at Fordham University, the Catholic University of America, New York University, Princeton University, Regina Apostolorum university and Providence College.
He is a member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas. His writings include: «Law and Human Nature: Teachings of Modern Christianity» (2005), «The First Grace: Re-Discovering Natural Law in a Post-Christian Age» (2003), and «A Critique of the New Natural Law Theory» (1987).
Matlary, born in 1957, is currently a professor of international politics at the University of Oslo.
She converted to Catholicism while studying at that university, and received her doctorate in political science in 1994. Matlary specializes in energy policy, security policy and international human rights.
She is a member of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and a consultor of the Pontifical Council for the Family. She is also a dame in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Matlary’s writings include: «European Union Security Dynamics: In the New National Interest» (2009), «When Might Becomes Human Right» (2007), «Faith Through Reason» (2006), and «Values and Weapons: From Humanitarian Intervention to Regime Change?» (2006).
