Korsgaard

Korsgaard is a surname of Danish origin. It is typically formed from elements meaning cross and farm or yard, reflecting a toponymic or descriptive naming pattern found in Scandinavian surnames.

The most widely known bearer of the name is Christine Korsgaard (born 1952), an American philosopher and professor of philosophy at Harvard University. Korsgaard is a leading figure in moral philosophy, known for her work on Kantian ethics, normative reasons, and the nature of agency. Her publications have contributed to debates on how rational norms ground moral obligation and how agents relate to their own actions. Notable works include The Sources of Normativity (1996), which argues that reasons for action arise from rational norms, and The Constitution of Agency (2009), a detailed account of self-constitution, autonomy, and moral responsibility. Korsgaard’s scholarship has influenced contemporary discussions of practical reason, moral psychology, and the foundations of ethics. Her work is widely cited in philosophy and taught in courses on moral philosophy and Kantian ethics.

Beyond Christine Korsgaard, fewer widely recognized individuals share the surname, and the name remains most closely associated with Danish heritage. In general, Korsgaard can be found among people of Danish descent and in academic contexts where scholars of philosophy and related fields engage with contemporary ethical theory.