Introduction to Marxist philosophy

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This course is intended as an introduction to the philosophy of Karl Marx and later Marxists such as Vladimir Lenin, Eduard Bernstein, and Rosa Luxemburg.
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  • Start Date: 12 Feb 2027
    End Date: 19 Mar 2027
    Fri (Daytime): 10:15 - 12:15
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
    Course Code: HP214
    Tutors:  Daniel Weizman
    Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £151.00 Concession £123.00
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In stock
SKU
246049
Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £151.00 Concession £123.00

What is the course about?

What is “scientific socialism”? What do Marxists mean by ‘alienation’ and ‘exploitation’? What is dialectical materialism? Why do Marxists think that the socialist revolution is inevitable? In what way did later Marxists such as Vladimir Lenin and Rosa Luxemburg deviate from Marxist orthodoxy?

What will we cover?

- Marx’s distinction between ‘scientific’ and ‘utopian’ socialism.
- Marx’s critique of capitalism, including his theory of alienation.
- Marx’s theory of history (also known as dialectical materialism).
- Marx’s theory of socialist revolution.
- Is socialism best achieved through reform or revolution? (The Luxemburg-Bernstein debate).
- What is the role of a socialist movement? (The Luxemburg-Lenin debate).

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Explain some of the central tenets of Marx’s political philosophy.
- Identify how later Marxists attempted to reinforce or deviate from Marx’s original ideas.
- Evaluate the claims made by Marx and later Marxists on the nature of capitalism and the road to socialism.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course designed for students who have never formally studied the work of Marx before. An open mind, a willingness to engage critically with the material and listen to and think about views you may not always agree with are all that is required.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

One session will be devoted to each of the six topics. At the start of each session, the tutor will briefly present the core material and then the remainder of the session will be dedicated to a group discussion. There is no essential work outside the class, but Terry Eagleton’s Why Marx Was Right is recommended as a useful companion to the course. Students who wish to stretch themselves further and are looking for a more academic work may wish to purchase Alan Wood’s Karl Marx.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Just a notepad and pen for jotting down ideas.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You might be interested in Daniel's next course, HP253 - 21st century philosophical movements: exploring new intellectual frontiers.

Daniel Weizman

Daniel holds a PhD from the Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy (CRMEP), where he wrote his dissertation on the work of philosopher Gilles Deleuze. Daniel specializes in 20th and 21st century Continental Philosophy, particularly the works of Deleuze, Michel Foucault, and Jacques Derrida. His teaching is defined by an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to critically engage with complex philosophical ideas and apply them to broader questions in politics, aesthetics, and cultural theory. Daniel strives to create an inclusive and stimulating environment where students are encouraged to think critically, directly engage with philosophical texts, and explore new possibilities for understanding the world.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.