Dr. Ryan C. Urbano was a distinguished academic and philosopher primarily associated with the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City, Philippines, and Cebu Technological University (CTU). He was widely recognized for his work in ethics, interfaith dialogue, and environmental philosophy.
Academic Background
Ph.D. in Philosophy: University of San Carlos, Cebu City (2010).
M.A. in Philosophy: University of San Carlos (1998).
Master’s in Applied Ethics: A joint degree from Linköping University (Sweden) and Utrecht University (Netherlands), completed in 2008.
Key Professional Roles
While he was a prominent alumnus and former faculty member of the University of San Carlos, he also held high-level leadership positions elsewhere:
University Director for Research and Development: He served in this capacity at Cebu Technological University (CTU), overseeing research ethics and scientific publications.
Associate Professor: He taught General Education and Philosophy courses, specializing in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
KAICIID Fellow: He was an alumnus of the KAICIID International Fellows Programme, an initiative focused on promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue globally.
Research and Areas of Expertise
Dr. Urbano’s work often bridges the gap between abstract philosophical theory and practical social issues. His primary areas of interest include:
- Global Ethics: He published extensively on virtue ethics, Global Justice, and Public Administration ethics (notably applying James Svara’s models).
- The Philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas: Much of his research draws on the Jewish philosopher Emmanuel Levinas, particularly regarding the ethics of "the Other" and how it informs interfaith dialogue.
- Environmental Philosophy: He explored "Ecological Caring" and virtue-based approaches to environmental ethics.
- Social Issues: He co-authored research on the lived experiences of COVID-19 survivors, focusing on isolation and discrimination in the Philippines