The making of a Marxist philosopher
Hear Sean Sayers in conversation with Meade McCloughan as they discuss Sean's recent memoir.
The making of a Marxist philosopher
04 Jun 2025, 17:30 – 19:15
How does a philosopher come to be? What intellectual and political forces shape the development of a thinker? In this research seminar, Sean will reflect on his intellectual formation and lifelong engagement with Marxist philosophy in conversation with Meade.
Drawing on his recently published memoir, The Making of a Marxist Philosopher, Sayers will discuss his philosophical journey – from his upbringing in a left-wing family and study at Cambridge and Oxford in the 1960s to his role in shaping left philosophical discourse through Radical Philosophy and the Marx and Philosophy Review of Books.
His personal and intellectual development was deeply intertwined with historical events, from the radicalism of the 1960s to the shifting fortunes of Marxism over the decades. His memoir not only provides an account of his own formation but also serves as a lens through which to examine the broader relationship between philosophy and political struggle.
This interview will explore how philosophical ideas take root in experience and historical context, shedding light on questions of intellectual formation, the role of philosophy in political movements, and the evolving significance of Marxist thought.
This event will be particularly useful for those interested in Marxist thought and Sean Sayers’ work.
Please note this is a hybrid event and can be joined either in-person or online. To book your place, please email Yuxin Su: stnvysu@ucl.ac.uk.
PESGB seminar series
This event is part of the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain (PESGB) seminar series. PESGB is a learned society that promotes the study, teaching and application of philosophy of education. Its London Branch hosts seminars every Wednesday in conjunction with the Centre for Philosophy of Education. These seminars are led by national and international scholars in the field, covering a wide range of issues of educational and philosophical concern.
All are welcome to attend.
Related links
Image
Roman Koester via Unsplash.
Professor Sean Sayers
Emeritus Professor of Philosophy
University of Kent
He was one of the founders of the journal Radical Philosophy (1972) and he created the online Marx and Philosophy Review of Books (2009).
He has written numerous books and articles and has an international reputation for his work on Hegelian and Marxist philosophy.
Further information
Ticketing
Pre-booking essential
Cost
Free
Open to
All
Availability
Yes
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