"The Point is to Change it." Marx in/and Contemporary Philosophy

About the project

The project aims at mutually elucidating the contemporary philosophical discourses on emancipation through the lens of Marx(’s thought) and the contemporary significance of Marx(’s thought) through contemporary philosophical discourses on emancipation. This will allow for a better understanding not only of contemporary political philosophy but also of the potential of Marx and the history of his thought for the present.

The project traces the role Marx plays in contemporary (mostly continental) philosophy and how the latter, even after the failures of 20th-century communism, considers the former a crucial point of reference for conceiving of the concept and the practice of emancipation. To do so, the project will be attentive to "corrections", revisions and transformations of Marx’s position through its philosophical re-appropriation. It aims at depicting what, on the one side, can be considered to be of contemporary significance in Marx’s thought and, on the other side, it thereby aims to contribute to a systematic understanding of the present (post-20th century) conceptual demands of notions such as freedom and equality.

Frank Ruda is an internationally renowned expert for the thought of Marx and the history of Marxism. The second supervisor, Ashley Woodward, is an expert in political and continental philosophy.

Diversity statement

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research.  We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.