James Orr

Dr James Orr is an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Divinity. His academic career followed a prior stint in corporate law at Freshfields and Sullivan & Cromwell. He previously held the McDonald Postdoctoral Fellowship in Theology, Ethics, and Public Life at Christ Church, Oxford.

Education:

• PhD and MPhil in Philosophy of Religion from the University of Cambridge
• BA in Classics from Balliol College, Oxford

Research Interests: Dr Orr specializes in continental phenomenology and pre-modern metaphysical systems. His work bridges Husserl's early phenomenology, Heidegger's critiques of theology, and Kant's teleological frameworks. He explores the intersection of mystical theology and scholastic metaphysics in Edith Stein's writings, alongside analytic debates on natural laws and causal powers. He seeks to revive pre-modern monotheistic metaphysics to address contemporary philosophical questions about causation and consciousness.

Publications & Research Trends: His recent work spans diverse domains including oncology (drug combinations, ctDNA analysis), agrochemical resistance mechanisms (plant metabolism studies), and historical science (e.g., Down House visit). While primarily a philosopher of religion, his publications reflect interdisciplinary engagement with biology, biochemistry, and healthcare systems.

Advising & Grants: No specific advisees or grants are explicitly listed. His prior legal career may inform ethical dimensions of his theological research.

Affiliations: Affiliated with the School of Arts & Humanities and holds University Teaching Officer status.