Mario Von Der Ruhr

Dr. Mario Von Der Ruhr holds a Lecturer appointment in the Department of Political and Cultural Studies at Swansea University's School of Social Sciences. He joined the faculty in 1992 after completing a PhD in Philosophy at the University of Illinois. Prior to this, he studied at King's College London, the Universities of Bielefeld and Berlin, and the University of St Andrews. His research focuses on Wittgensteinian philosophy, Simone Weil's thought, religious epistemology, and philosophical anthropology. He serves as Associate Editor of Philosophical Investigations and is an Honorary Member of the British Wittgenstein Society. His work bridges contemporary philosophy with theological and cultural critique, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods.

Education:

• B.A. Honours and AKC (Associate of King's College), King's College London (1984)
• M.Phil in Contemporary Moral Theory, University of St Andrews (1985)
• PhD in Philosophy, University of Illinois (1988)

Research interests highlight intersections between philosophy and religion, particularly Wittgenstein’s impact on ethical discourse and Weil’s critiques of modern atheism. His publications explore linguistic limits in religious belief, Kantian ethics, and film as philosophical medium. Recent work includes analyses of Wittgenstein’s Swansea School legacy and the philosophical implications of Simone Weil’s writings.

Awards: Honorary Membership in the British Wittgenstein Society (2023).

Professional service includes editorial work for Philosophical Investigations, participation in global academic networks, and contributions to interdisciplinary research initiatives.