The Master Class explores the relationship between inequality and agency under capitalist conditions, drawing on Lea Ypi’s concept of “moral socialism”. It begins with the diagnosis of an ‘age of unreason’, in which global capitalism not only exacerbates socio-economic inequalities but also erodes the epistemic and institutional conditions necessary for autonomous moral judgement. At its core lies the distinction between freedom as choice and freedom as agency. Whilst capitalist societies expand formal options, they generate structural inequalities that systematically constrain individuals’ capacity to act free from domination, need and manipulation.
The Master Class situates this diagnosis within a broader critical framework that brings together Kantian moral philosophy, Marxist social analysis and contemporary critiques of capitalism. It focuses on a shared analysis of contemporary crises, approached through both political and philosophical lenses. Together with Lea Ypi, doctoral students will engage in discussions of possible institutional alternatives, including democratic transformations of the economy, the role of markets and planning, as well as the function of law and the state, and the conditions for political progress in the context of contemporary globalisation.
By presenting and discussing their own PhD research and engaging with an international group of PhD students working on similar topics, doctoral students will work towards developing frameworks for analysing how inequality and agency are intertwined, and will jointly reflect on possible alternatives aimed at achieving substantive freedom.

Lea Ypi is the Ralph Miliband Professor of Politics and Philosophy at the London School of Economics, a permanent fellow of the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, and an Honorary Professor at the Australian National University. Born in Albania, she studied Philosophy and Literature at the University of Rome La Sapienza and holds a PhD from the European University Institute; she was also a postdoctoral fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford. She is the author of several books, including *Free: Coming of Age at the End of History* and *Indignity*, as well as academic works published by Oxford University Press. Her writing has been translated into over thirty-five languages and has received numerous awards. Ypi co-edits *Political Philosophy* and contributes to publications such as the *Financial Times* and *The Guardian*.

The Lucerne Master Class in PPE invites Swiss and international doctoral students from the fields of philosophy, political science, sociology, history and cultural studies, as well as other humanities and social science disciplines, to apply. Early-career postdoctoral researchers may be selected if they demonstrate a strong link to the Lucerne Master Class’s topic, but preference will be given to doctoral students. Advanced Master’s students may apply to attend the Lucerne Master Class as auditors.
Of the maximum of 16 doctoral students invited, around 12 will be selected to present their research project to the class and receive feedback from Lea Ypi and the other participants. Doctoral students are required to pay a tuition fee of CHF 350. 

To apply, please complete the application form. In addition to the information to be entered on the form, please provide a short statement of motivation (no more than 1 page), a short CV and a brief description (no more than 1 page) of your current doctoral research project. Please send your application to gsl@unilu.ch by 1 September 2026.