Miranda Lace

Miranda Lace is a doctoral candidate in Political Theory with a secondary sub-field in International Relations at Harvard University’s Department of Government. Her research endeavors to develop and critique concepts of agency, power, and emotion by engaging with a diverse group of interlocutors, including Simone Weil, Hannah Arendt, Immanuel Kant, and St. Augustine. Her dissertation project, titled “Painful Politics,” explores the human experience of pain and its role in politics. It emphasizes the distinguishing characteristics of suffering and oppression to argue that genuine liberation requires transcending analgesic desires in our political imaginations. The lens of pain provides numerous other opportunities for her research, and she actively participates in applied projects related to political violence, feminism, and ethics.

Alongside her scholarly pursuits, Miranda is passionate about imparting excellent writing skills to undergraduates as a form of civic education. Her best friend is her canine companion, Sappho, who eagerly takes on the role of honorary Teaching Assistant during office hours.