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 ...

Explore Our Applied Ethics Resources

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MAR 17, 2014 Podcast

Blowing the Whistle

Has the perception of whistleblowers changed? With high-profile cases like Edward Snowden and increased protections for those who accuse their employers of misconduct, have we ...

Statue of Blind Justice, Albert V. Bryan Federal District Courthouse, Alexandria, VA. CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23165290@N00/6830726742">Tim Evanson</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en">(CC)</a>

FEB 28, 2014 Podcast

"War on Terror," an Insider's View: A Conversation with Harold H. Koh

As legal adviser to the State Department from 2009 to 2013, Harold Koh was responsible for making judgments about the most difficult issues in the "war on ...

<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-118936687/stock-photo--cctv-camera-watching-you-on-concrete-wall.html?src=UiDG2YJBGf2rh1c1L5oJqQ-2-61"> 25 CCTV Camera Watching You On Concrete Wall</a> via Shutterstock

FEB 18, 2014 Article

Secrecy and Privacy in the Aftermath of Edward Snowden

In order to be morally justifiable, any strategy or policy involving the body politic must be one to which it would voluntarily assent when fully ...

<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-147680150/stock-photo-ecologism-and-capitalism.html?src=ZHYCGYTYjD7WMcMufOo3PA-1-1">Ecologism and Capitalism</a> via Shutterstock

FEB 14, 2014 Article

From Dehumanization to Rehumanization

"Rehumanization is the restoration of human dignity and the reassertion of the priority of humans above the systems originally intended to serve humanity. If we ...

<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-141716761/stock-photo-radar-screen-with-world-map-raster-version-of-the-illustration.html">Radar screen</a> via Shutterstock

FEB 13, 2014 Podcast

Rules of Engagement: The Legal, Ethical and Moral Challenges of the Long War

Can the drone campaign be legally and morally justified? What are the limits to the president's authority when it comes to targeted killing? Don't miss ...

FEB 11, 2014 Podcast

Introducing: CARNEGIE COUNCIL

Want to learn more about Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs? This five-minute video gives a quick introduction to our past, our present, and ...

CREDIT: President Obama at a 2012 campaign rally in Las Vegas via <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-132479609/stock-photo-las-vegas-november-president-barack-obama-speaks-at-presidential-campaign-rally-at-cheyenne.html">Shutterstock</a>

FEB 5, 2014 Podcast

Mobilize Your People Like Obama: Applying Lessons from the 2012 Campaign to Your Everyday Work

In 2012, Barack Obama won a hard-fought victory in a campaign driven by advanced community organizing tactics, big data, and technology. In this lively workshop with ...

Ebuka Okoli

JAN 31, 2014 Article

Honorable Mention, "Moral Leadership" Essay Contest, 2013

Ebuka Francis Okoli cites examples of many inspiring moral leaders, including Mother Teresa, Peter Benenson, founder of Amnesty International, and Dora Nkem Akunyili, former head ...

Akshata R. Prabhu

JAN 31, 2014 Article

1st Prize Undergraduate Category, "Moral Leadership" Essay Contest, 2013

"All I ask of you today is to think these three questions through: Why do you believe in your morals? Why should I believe in ...

Alex G. Kim

JAN 31, 2014 Article

3rd Prize High School Category, "Moral Leadership" Essay Contest, 2013

"For me, a moral leader is any individual, big or small, who can change at least one person's life for the better. Without fame and ...