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.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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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 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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/introduction-to-marxist-philosophy2490265Introduction to Marxist philosophyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/pre-socratic-philosophers-HP125-1024.jpg189189GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy22851177140415791228511771404This course is intended as an introduction to the philosophy of Karl Marx and later Marxists such as Vladimir Lenin, Eduard Bernstein, and Rosa Luxemburg.253071071Introduction to Marxist philosophy189189https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/pre-socratic-philosophers-HP125-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-02-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2027Culture, history & humanitiesHP214189189Introduction to Marxist philosophy151123189Daniel Weizmanintroduction-to-marxist-philosophy/hp214-2627This course is intended as an introduction to the philosophy of Karl Marx and later Marxists such as Vladimir Lenin, Eduard Bernstein, and Rosa Luxemburg.0000-Available|2027-02-12 00:00:00What 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?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.<p>- Marx’s distinction between ‘scientific’ and ‘utopian’ socialism.<br>- Marx’s critique of capitalism, including his theory of alienation.<br>- Marx’s theory of history (also known as dialectical materialism).<br>- Marx’s theory of socialist revolution.<br>- Is socialism best achieved through reform or revolution? (The Luxemburg-Bernstein debate).<br>- What is the role of a socialist movement? (The Luxemburg-Lenin debate).</p><p>- Explain some of the central tenets of Marx’s political philosophy.<br>- Identify how later Marxists attempted to reinforce or deviate from Marx’s original ideas.<br>- Evaluate the claims made by Marx and later Marxists on the nature of capitalism and the road to socialism.</p>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.<p>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.</p>Just a notepad and pen for jotting down ideas.<p>You might be interested in Daniel's next course, HP253 - 21st century philosophical movements: exploring new intellectual frontiers.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyvirtual151189123HP214NONEFri12/02/27 - 19/03/2710:15 - 12:1510:1512:156 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetDaniel WeizmanBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-02-12T00:00:00+00:00Feb 2027Culture, history & humanities189189Introduction to Marxist philosophyintroduction-to-marxist-philosophy/hp214-2627This course is intended as an introduction to the philosophy of Karl Marx and later Marxists such as Vladimir Lenin, Eduard Bernstein, and Rosa Luxemburg.0000-Available|2027-02-12 00:00:00What 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?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.<p>- Marx’s distinction between ‘scientific’ and ‘utopian’ socialism.<br>- Marx’s critique of capitalism, including his theory of alienation.<br>- Marx’s theory of history (also known as dialectical materialism).<br>- Marx’s theory of socialist revolution.<br>- Is socialism best achieved through reform or revolution? (The Luxemburg-Bernstein debate).<br>- What is the role of a socialist movement? (The Luxemburg-Lenin debate).</p><p>- Explain some of the central tenets of Marx’s political philosophy.<br>- Identify how later Marxists attempted to reinforce or deviate from Marx’s original ideas.<br>- Evaluate the claims made by Marx and later Marxists on the nature of capitalism and the road to socialism.</p>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.<p>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.</p>Just a notepad and pen for jotting down ideas.<p>You might be interested in Daniel's next course, HP253 - 21st century philosophical movements: exploring new intellectual frontiers.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyconfigurable
15791404Philosophyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/philosophy-religion-belief/philosophy1/2/285/1177/1404/15791/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy