Patrick O'Connor

Dr. Patrick O'Connor is an Associate Professor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Digital, Tech, Innovation & Business at Staffordshire University. His research focuses on European Philosophy, Phenomenology, and 19th-20th Century French thought, with specializations in film and literature analysis. He has held academic positions at institutions including Nottingham Trent University and Manchester Metropolitan University, and authored three books including Cormac McCarthy, Philosophy and the Physics of the Damned (2022). His work bridges philosophy with cultural studies, exploring themes like existential atheism, ethical frameworks in cinema, and cooperative learning pedagogy.

• Education:
  • PhD in Philosophy (2005): National University of Ireland, Galway
  • BA (Hons) in English and Philosophy: National University of Ireland, Galway
  • Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Nottingham Trent University)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education

His research interests include Phenomenology, Philosophy of Film and Literature, and continental thinkers like Husserl, Derrida, and Heidegger. Recent projects explore the philosophy of film through analyses of directors like the Dardenne Brothers and Cormac McCarthy's literary works. He has received grants for teaching innovation, phenomenology workshops, and research in the Medical Humanities.

Dr. O'Connor's publications span academic journals (Journal of Religion & Film, Journal of Social Work), edited volumes, and public-facing platforms like The Conversation. He actively participates in professional societies such as the British Society for Phenomenology (serving as President and Treasurer) and the Foucault Society.

His teaching focuses on MA modules in Continental Philosophy, including phenomenology, posthumanism, and research methodology. He supervises doctoral students in continental philosophy, film, and literature. Recent grants include £2000 for teaching excellence (2018) and collaborative research funding with Manchester Metropolitan University (2011).

Lab/Team affiliations include collaborative projects in medical humanities and interdisciplinary work with the Cormac McCarthy Society. Current research emphasizes the philosophy of film, particularly exploring solidarity and existential themes in modern cinema.