Tom Simpson

Tom Simpson is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, and a Senior Research Fellow at Wadham College. He is the incoming Alfred Landecker Professor of Values and Public Policy. His work bridges moral and political philosophy with public policy, focusing on trust, freedom, and the ethics of technology and security. He directs the Military Leadership and Judgment Programme and the Rising Public Leaders Programme, and teaches on the Master of Public Policy.

• University: University of Oxford
• School: Blavatnik School of Government
• Department: Department of Philosophy and Public Policy
• Academic Rank: Associate Professor
• Email: thomas.simpson@bsg.ox.ac.uk

Tom Simpson's research centers on trust, freedom, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies in security. He explores how trust sustains democratic institutions, the moral challenges of autonomous weapons and cyber warfare, and the philosophical foundations of political freedom. His work integrates classical political theory with contemporary policy issues, including academic freedom and political conservatism.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on AI in military decision-making, transdisciplinary trust research, and the philosophical underpinnings of trust in law and finance. Themes include the redistribution of responsibility in AI-enabled warfare, the role of civic virtue in republican freedom, and the epistemic dimensions of trust. His work spans philosophy, law, public policy, and technology ethics.

• Teaching Excellence Award, University of Oxford
• Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Innovative Teaching and Assessment

Simpson advises UK parliamentary committees on drones, surveillance, and academic freedom. He co-authored the influential Academic Freedom in the UK: Protecting Viewpoint Diversity report, foundational to the 2023 Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act. He leads the 'Learning from the Right' project, funded by the Open Society Foundations, and has held visiting positions at MIT and Notre Dame. He is Associate Editor of Philosophy and Public Affairs and directs executive education programs on integrity in public life. His military service in the Royal Marines informs his expertise in security ethics.