Mr Matthew King

Matthew King is a PhD candidate at the University of Bristol. His PhD focuses upon reconstructing a Kantian approach to sexual ethics which is relevant and useful for dealing with debates in contemporary sexual ethics, especially those concerning BDSM-based relationships, consent, and dealing with sexual violence. 

Matthew also does research in contemporary Continental philosophy, especially involving the work of French philosopher Jean Baudrillard. Other research interests include the philosophy of medicine, philosophy of the environment and philosophy of warfare.

He has recently published a paper about the changing relationship between man and technology as revealed in contemporary conflicts.

The paper analyses such conflicts as being particularly marked by forms of "dissimulation" (concealment) - particularly the confusion of actual and virtual states, indeterminacies with regards to specific location, the abandonment of clear distinctions between civilian and enemy, and the increased deniability of the instigator(s) of conflict's involvement. 

The paper suggests these characteristics are strongly shaped by the technologies and technological systems which exist in the present day and how we relate to these systems. The paper argues they alter our sense of space, time and even conception of ourselves and the scope of our agency.