James Morrison

I completed my BA in Philosophy at The University of York in 2015 and my MA in Political Theory at The University of Manchester in 2022. Between 2022 and 2024 I worked for HM Treasury within the International Group and advised a cross-Whitehall Governance Board on financial sanctions strategic priorities, horizon-scanning and risk. I was also a member of HM Treasury’s Social Mobility Working Group.

I started doctoral research within the Manchester Centre for Political Theory (MANCEPT) in 2024 investigating esteem and its distribution. My supervisors are Dr Liam Shields and Dr Christian Schemmel.

My research interests sit within contemporary political philosophy, including relational and distributive theories of justice, equality, and recognition. I am also interested in the policy applications of these theories.

From my work within HM Treasury, I am also interested in international financial sanctions, specifically the value and utility of sanctions as a tool of foreign policy.

My specific research aims to provide a distributive account of esteem that develops liberal egalitarian justice. The thesis will argue that a discrete mechanic of esteem distribution provides a novel and illuminating way of addressing what have recently become central concerns of justice, self-respect, marginalisation, and domination.

Master of Arts, Political Science – Political Theory Pathway (Research Route), The University of Manchester
Award Date: Dec 2022

Graduate Diploma in Law (Common Professional Examination), Manchester Metropolitan University
Award Date: Jul 2021

Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, The University of York
Award Date: Jul 2015