Applied Ethics

Framing ethical perspectives

Applied ethics refers to the practical applications of the moral principles that govern behavior. Carnegie Council focuses on this field, mostly through the realm of international affairs, by identifying and addressing the most critical ethical issues of today and tomorrow. Our initiatives, content, and experts analyze the way that governments, institutions, and individuals interact and make choices on global issues, such as climate change, emerging technology, and governance.

Featured Applied Ethics Resources

Practical conversations, decision analysis, and more

JUL 5, 2023 Article

A Framework for the International Governance of AI

Carnegie Council, in collaboration with IEEE, proposes a five-part AI governance framework to enable the constructive use of AI.

APR 12, 2022 Podcast

Surveillance Tech's Infinite Loop of Harms, with Chris Gilliard

In this discussion with Senior Fellow Arthur Holland Michel, Chris Gilliard explains why the arc of surveillance technology and novel AI bends toward failures that ...

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DEC 16, 2014 Podcast

The Business of Humanitarian Aid and Philanthropy: A Case Study

By using a single organization, SaveLIFE Foundation in India, as a case study, this episode of Impact explores how NGOs in emerging markets adopt business ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-106093970/stock-photo-man-holding-capsules-in-front-of-complete-wavy-national-flag-of-brazil-symbolizing-health-medicine.html">Shutterstock</a>

DEC 15, 2014 Article

Public Health in Brazil

Few countries in the world match Brazil's pledge to provide universal, free health care as a constitutional right. This promise extends far beyond routine check-ups ...

DEC 3, 2014 Podcast

An Introduction to Centennial Ebook of Roundtables from "Ethics & International Affairs"

In this podcast, Zach Dorfman introduces the Centennial collection of roundtables on the most critical issues facing the world today: the idea of a global ...

NOV 20, 2014 Podcast

Michael Ignatieff in Conversation with Paul Holdengräber at the NYPL

Carnegie Council Centennial Chairman Michael Ignatieff, a Canadian writer, teacher, and former politician, discusses his life, his work, and the Council's Centennial project, Ethics for ...

NOV 14, 2014 Podcast

A Conversation with David Keyes on Advancing Human Rights

In the Soviet era, it was difficult to alert the world of what was happening to dissidents, says David Keyes. Today, however, there's an overload ...

NOV 11, 2014 Podcast

A Conversation with Will Kymlicka on the Challenges of Multiculturalism

From Canada to Europe, how do different societies deal with immigrant groups? How have their policies evolved and where are they headed? What rights should ...

CREDIT: Gusta Johnson

NOV 7, 2014 Podcast

A Conversation with General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In this candid and thoughtful conversation, General Dempsey tackles the difficult questions, from ISIS to Ebola to cyber threats. And throughout, he stresses the importance ...

CREDIT: Gusta Johnson

NOV 7, 2014 Podcast

Global Ethics and the Point of View of the Universe

Sidgwick's concept of looking at issues from "the point of view of the universe"--in other words, giving equal weight to everyone's interests, irrespective of ...

2013 Sayada Community Network Building. CREDIT: <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/113632566131475824062/albums/5965895313641259393/5965897686580208274?pid=5965897686580208274&oid=113632566131475824062">Ryan Gerety</a>

OCT 31, 2014 Podcast

The Bright Side to Big Data: Good Intentions and Ethical Questions

We wrap up our three-part series on data and privacy with a look at some ways big data can improve our communities. Technology and big ...

A young village boy in Uganda. CREDIT: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dvids/5856893090"> DVIDSHUB </a> (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">CC</a>)

OCT 10, 2014 Article

Security Threats in Africa: A Critical Perspective

The U.S. is still seeing Africa from a Cold War perspective rooted in political realist thought, writes Africa security expert Metelits. But characterizing non-Western ...