Ruth Sonderegger

Prof. Dr.phil. Ruth Sonderegger holds the position of University Professor (Univ.-Prof) of Philosophy and Aesthetic Theory at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Previously, she led the 'Metaphysics and its History' chair at the University of Amsterdam (Universiteit van Amsterdam) until 2009. She completed her PhD in Philosophy at the Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) in 1998 after studies in Innsbruck, Konstanz, and Berlin. Her professional trajectory includes roles as a research assistant (1993–2001) and lecturer (2001–2009) in Berlin and Amsterdam.

Teaching focuses include the history of Western aesthetics, cultural studies, political philosophy, and critical theories. Current research emphasizes three core areas: (1) colonial dimensions of 18th-century Western aesthetics formation; (2) art/culture's role in primitive accumulation processes; and (3) critical theory practices. She oversees doctoral supervision and teaches advanced seminars in philosophy and aesthetic theory.

Her academic activities in Summer 2025 include lecturing in courses such as 'Philosophy and Aesthetic Theory III: Critical Theories' and supervising doctoral students through private lectures. Professional contact is maintained via the email r.sonderegger@akbild.ac.at.