Conor Spence

Background

About Conor Spence

I am a philosopher and critical theorist specializing in the relationship between technology, society, and power. My work investigates the profound ontological and political-economic shifts driven by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and new media forms. I hold a PhD from the University of Sydney, where my research developed a new materialist ontology for understanding digital objects. My core research examines the foundational principles of our increasingly computational world. In my doctoral thesis, I introduced the concept of "emergent objects" to explain the unique existence of entities like video game assets, NFTs, and biosensors. My current work extends this inquiry to Large Language Models (LLMs), proposing the concept of "necromantic media"—a critical framework for analyzing how AI reanimates vast archives of "dead labour" and the ethical, cultural, and economic implications of this process. I draw on continental philosophy, media theory, and political economy to explore these complex dynamics. As an experienced university lecturer, I have taught across multiple Australian universities, including the University of Sydney, the University of Western Australia, and the University of New South Wales. I have a passion for developing engaging, research-informed curriculum and fostering critical thinking in students from diverse backgrounds, consistently receiving excellent student satisfaction feedback. Beyond the classroom, I contribute to public discourse through guest lectures and media interviews on the societal impacts of AI.