Our research
Essex Autonomy Project
The Essex Autonomy Project aims to clarify the idea of self-determination as a guide for policy makers and frontline professionals dealing with the complexities of vulnerable
individuals and their capacity to make decisions for themselves.
Philosophy at Essex is internationally recognised for our research across a broad range of topics in continental and analytic philosophical traditions.
We were ranked among the top ten philosophy research departments in the UK in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2008 and were the highest rated for continental philosophy.
Our particular research strengths include:
Staff research
Our academic staff have produced a number of major publications; their academic staff profiles contain details of
individual research interests and publications.
Essex Autonomy Project
The Essex Autonomy Project is a research and knowledge-exchange initiative funded by the
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The project aims to clarify the ideal of self-determination in history, theory and practice,
both for its own sake and to guide public policy makers and frontline professionals in dealing with the complex issues surrounding mental competence, and
the capacity of vulnerable individuals to make decisions for themselves.
Other projects initiated by our School included the Transcendental Philosophy and Naturalism Project which ran from 2005 to 2008 and was led by the late Professor Mark Sacks.
The project sought to understand the nature of transcendental philosophy, with the intention of assessing whether it leaves contemporary philosophical naturalism with a cogent case to answer.
Postgraduate research
Our postgraduates actively contribute to our research profile. Our list of current PhD theses shows the broad range of
philosophy research being carried out in our School. You can view completed philosophy PhD theses in our Albert Sloman Library.
Watch our videos
Find out more about studying philosophy at Essex and our academics' research by visiting our
video gallery.
Postgraduate study
We are internationally recognised as a leading centre of postgraduate study in philosophy, both at Masters and PhD level.
Minicourses
Every year we invite distinguished philosophers from around the world to give minicourses to our students at Essex.
News and events
Our news and events section contains the latest information about our research,
publications and conferences, as well as the activities of our staff and students.