Personal profile
Research interests
My research interests lie at the intersection of social philosophy, ethics, and educational leadership. I am currently exploring how philosophical frameworks can be applied to contemporary challenges to inform innovative curriculum and pedagogical practices.
My work focuses on three primary areas:
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The Ethics of Technology: I investigate the philosophical implications of emerging technologies, such as Generative AI and Big Data, and their role in education and society. This project aims to develop ethical frameworks for a technologically-driven world, which directly informs my approach to teaching and curriculum design.
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Phenomenology of Action: My research explores the ethical and political significance of the private sphere. Drawing on phenomenology and political philosophy, I examine how a rigorous encounter with domestic life, daily activities, education, and personal relationships reveals a more nuanced understanding of progress. This work investigates how virtues such as care, responsibility, and civic-mindedness are cultivated in non-public spaces, and how these inform and enable meaningful public action and transdisciplinary collaboration.
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Pluralism and Resistance: My work employs phenomenology and political philosophy to explore how lived experience and non-traditional forms of action—such as friendship, small acts of kindness, and dialogue—can constitute meaningful resistance in oppressive conditions. This research underpins my pedagogical focus on fostering pluralistic and ethical discourse in the classroom.
This research has been published in academic journals such as Hypatia, Critical Horizons, and Ethics & Bioethics (in Central Europe), and directly informs my work as a leader in developing university core curriculum.
Education/Academic qualification
Philosphy, PhD
1 May 2008 → 1 Apr 2013
Award Date: 12 Oct 2013
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Revisiting Czech philosophical critiques of science in the age of Generative AI and Big Data
Brennan, D., 5 Dec 2024, In: Ethics and Bioethics (in Central Europe). 14, 3-4, p. 235-248 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open AccessFile74 Downloads (Pure) -
Wonder and the sublime in surfing and nature sports
Brennan, D., 26 Apr 2024, In: Journal of the Philosophy of Sport. 51, 2, p. 381-396 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Link opens in a new tab Citation (Scopus)182 Downloads (Pure) -
Careers and Heroism
Brennan, D. & Bennett, D., 7 Sept 2023, Encyclopedia of Heroism Studies. Allison, S. T., Beggan, J. K. & Goethals, G. R. (eds.). Springer, p. 1-5 5 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Entry for encyclopedia/dictionary › Research › peer-review
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Václav Havel’s Legacy: Politics as Morality
Brennan, D., 30 Sept 2023, In: Critical Horizons. 24, 3, p. 316-318 3 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access -
Hannah Arendt and the History of Thought
Brennan, D. (Editor) & La Caze, M. (Editor), Jun 2022, Lexington Books. 272 p.Research output: Book/Report › Scholarly edition › Research › peer-review
Activities
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AI in Practice: Co-Designing a Transparent Framework for the Classroom
Brennan, D. (Presenter)
19 Jun 2025Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › Internal Professional Development
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Interactive Slides to Spark Student Minds!
Brennan, D. (Attendee)
19 Jun 2025Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › Internal Professional Development
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Fresh Air, Fresh Perspectives: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Brennan, D. (Presenter)
19 Jun 2025Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › Internal Professional Development
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Digital and AI skills for the graduate workforce
Brennan, D. (Invited speaker)
4 Dec 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
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Proof of learning with AI: Designing transparent and purposeful assessment
Brennan, D. (Speaker)
18 Nov 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
Press/Media
Student theses
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A reappraisal of the political philosophy of Vaclav Havel
Brennan, D. (Author), Cox, D. (Supervisor), 12 Oct 2013Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis
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