Tõnu Viik, PhD

Professor Tõnu Viik, Rector of Tallinn University, studied philosophy at Moscow State University, University of Helsinki, Marburg University in Germany and Humboldt University of Berlin and as a doctoral candidate at Emory University in Atlanta. In 2003, Viik defended his dissertation “Hegel’s Philosophy of Culture” and his academic work has involved the study of culture-dependent meaning-making processes. He has published articles, essays, reviews, textbooks and educational materials on these topics. Besides his work as a philosophy lecturer, Tõnu Viik has headed the Estonian Institute of Humanities, Tallinn University’s School of Humanities and since 2021, he has been the Rector of Tallinn University. Tõnu Viik was one of the leaders of the creation of Tallinn University in 2005. He has participated in initiatives concerning the long-term development of Estonian society, such as Harta 12 (Charter 12) and Elamisväärne Riik (Liveable Country). In 2024, Tõnu Viik received the Order of the White Star, 3rd Class, for promoting higher education.