Brian Lightbody

Brian Lightbody is a Professor of Philosophy at Brock University, holding appointments in the Department of Philosophy. He specializes in 19th-20th century Continental Philosophy, Nietzschean Drive Theory, and Philosophical Genealogy. His work critically engages with thinkers like Nietzsche, Foucault, and Plotinus, exploring topics such as naturalism, affect theory, and ethical subjectivity. Lightbody earned his B.A. from McMaster University, followed by degrees at Brock University and a Ph.D. from Dominican University College (Ottawa).

His research interests include Nietzsche's naturalism, philosophical genealogy's methodological frameworks, and the interplay between metaphors and logical fallacies. He has published extensively on genealogical analysis, drive theory, and ancient Greek ethical concepts, including monographs like A Genealogical Analysis of Nietzschean Drive Theory (2023) and Nietzsche’s Will to Power Naturalized (2017).

Lightbody’s recent work interrogates Nietzsche's internalization hypothesis, Socratic psychology through Plotinus, and the application of genealogical methods to spirituality and affect theory. He teaches courses on bioethics, logic, and Foucault’s philosophy. Though no awards are explicitly listed, his prolific output reflects sustained recognition in Continental philosophy circles.

His advising and grants focus on ancient and modern ethical theory, with research extending into the philosophy of emotions and epistemological reconstruction. Lightbody currently occupies office GLN-B 343 and may be reached at blightbody@brocku.ca.