Short course
Accelerationism: A New Philosophy for a Frenetic World
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
25/02/2027 - 25/03/202716:30 - 18:30
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£190.00
A key feature of the modern condition is the speed of change. But should this be affirmed and encouraged, or instead resisted? The accelerationist movement urges the former: we need to move ever more rapidly into a future in which human life and society will be radically transformed. This idea was originally developed in an anti-capitalist fashion, inspired by Marx, but has since been adopted by "alt-right" proponents of the "dark enlightenment", winning adherents amongst Silicon Valley plutocrats. A quite different perspective is provided by those social theorists who have critically analyzed the accelerating tempo of modern life, arguing that it is alienating and must be slowed down. In this short course we will examine these ideas and arguments, and come to our own conclusions. Thinkers to be considered include Nick Land, Hartmut Rosa, Alex Williams and Nick Srnicek.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Contact the team
Phone: +44 (0)1865 280900
Course starts Thursday 25 February 2027
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Thursdays, 4.30-6.30pm.
Week 1: Theories of modernity.
Week 2: Social acceleration – good or bad?
Week 3: The origins of accelerationism
Week 4: Accelerationism: left-wing and right-wing versions.
Week 5: Conclusions.
Course aims
Course aim: To introduce participants to current debates about accelerationism and social acceleration.
Course objectives:
1. To introduce students to theories about social acceleration.
2. To introduce students to accelerationist doctrines.
3. To enable students to evaluate where they stand in relation to these ideas.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
1. understand what is meant by both accelerationism and social acceleration.
2. have developed their own positions in relation to debates about accelerationism and social acceleration.
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Teaching methods
The tutor will give a presentation in class, before opening up for discussion. Electronic presentations will be used and made available to students in advance in a variety of formats. Extracts from key texts will be circulated for study outside the class.
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Dr Meade McCloughan
Meade McCloughan has been studying philosophy for over 40 years and has taught at University College London and Birkbeck College London. He is on the organising group of the Marx and Philosophy Society.
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £190.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All short course students (online and in-person) may register to borrow from the Oxford Lifelong Learning Library, for the duration of their course.
Further information about the Oxford Lifelong Learning Library can be found on the library website.
Module code: O26P447PHW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.