Tom O'Shea

Dr. Tom O'Shea is a Lecturer in Political Theory at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science. His research focuses on human freedom, particularly its relationship with social and economic power, with recent work developing a socialist republican approach to economic domination. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Sheffield and has previously held academic positions at Essex, Roehampton, and York Universities.

• Research Interests:
• Freedom and civic republicanism
• Socialism and radical political traditions
• Medical ethics, metaethics, and the history of moral thought

At Edinburgh, he leads courses on Freedom and Slavery in Political Thought and War and Justice, and lectures on Political Thinkers. He convenes the Political Theory Research Group and serves as Associate Director of the CRITIQUE Centre. Future research plans include exploring conceptions of slavery in socialist, feminist, and black radical thought.

• Teaching and Roles:
• Convenes research groups and oversees interdisciplinary initiatives
• External examiner for Swansea University's Philosophy and PPE programs

His work bridges political theory with the history of political thought, addressing contemporary issues such as economic justice, autonomy, and structural inequality.