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

Aim: The project aims at mutually elucidating the contemporary philosphical 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 attentative 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 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 international reknown expert for the thought of Marx and the history of Marxism. The second supervisor, Ashley Woodward, is an expert in political and continental philosophy.

For informal enquiries about the project, contact Dr Frank Ruda (f.ruda@dundee.ac.uk)

For general enquiries about the University of Dundee, contact doctoralacademy@dundee.ac.uk

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a first or 2.1 UK honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK in a relevant discipline.

English language requirement: IELTS (Academic) score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s English language requirements are available online: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Email Dr Frank Ruda (f.ruda@dundee.ac.uk) to (1) send a copy of your CV and (2) discuss your potential application and any practicalities (e.g. suitable start date).

Step 2: After discussion with Dr Ruda, formal applications can be made via our direct application system. When applying, please follow the instructions below:

Apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Philosophy: Philosophy research degrees | University of Dundee.

Please select the study mode (full-time/part-time) and start date agreed with the lead supervisor.

 In the Research Proposal section, please:

-       Enter the lead supervisor’s name in the ‘proposed supervisor’ box

-       Enter the project title listed at the top of this page in the ‘proposed project title’ box

In the ‘personal statement’ section, please outline your suitability for the project selected.