Thomas Schramme

Professor Thomas Schramme is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Liverpool since 2016, with prior appointments at Hamburg, Swansea, and Mannheim Universities. His work bridges moral philosophy, political theory, and medical ethics.

His research centers on three interconnected domains:

• Empathy Studies: Developing conceptual frameworks for affective empathy's role in moral development, including applications to narcissistic personality disorder and intergenerational ethics.
• Health Justice: Advancing sufficientarian theories of health equity through the 'health capital' framework (with Ben Davies), addressing social determinants of health and resource allocation.
• Paternalism: Exploring subtle forms of will-formation beyond coercion, including reactive attitudes like contempt in clinical and political contexts.

Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate growing focus on health capital theory, disease conceptualization, and empathy deficits in psychopathology, with significant contributions to bioethics journals and medical philosophy handbooks.

As co-lead of the 'Arts, Well-Being and Mental Health' research theme within the Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences of Health, Medicine and Technology, he bridges theoretical philosophy with practical healthcare applications. His editorial leadership includes past editorship of Ethical Theory and Moral Practice and current board membership at Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics.