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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CREDIT: <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-120387823/stock-photo-the-syria-flag-painted-on-bomb-icon.html">Syrian flag painted on a bomb</a> via Shutterstock

SEP 5, 2013 Article

On Law, Policy, and (Not) Bombing Syria

The question of whether the U.S. should use its military against Assad is separate from the questions of legal interpretation. The legal question does ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meanestindian/4195782519/">Meena Kadri</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

AUG 20, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: POEM: Tomorrow's Child

This poem was written to convey the imperative of sustainability. As geographical lines blur due to trade and markets, so can ethics.

The ruins of Briarwood Elementary School in Moore, OK. CREDIT: <a href="http://www.defenseimagery.mil/imagery.html?&guid=ea561b585517b12260ec8e87f48e13759fe64220">SSgt Caroline Hayworth</a>

AUG 19, 2013 Article

Life, Money, and the Pursuit of Happiness

"The pursuit of wealth will continue to be the engine of American society. But let's not forget that the pursuit of happiness demands more. The ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-123301510/stock-photo-shanghai-skyline-in-sunrise-china.html">Shanghai Skyline at Sunrise</a>  via Shutterstock

AUG 14, 2013 Article

Some Thoughts on the Ethics of China's Rise

In this nuanced and knowledgeable piece, Wyne analyses China's changing values and challenges as the country takes a more prominent role on the world stage, ...

AUG 12, 2013 Article

Global Ethical Dialogues: South America Slideshow June 2013

Slideshow from June 2013 Global Ethical Dialogue in South America with Centennial Chair Michael Ignatieff.

Street corner in Yangon, Myanmar. CREDIT: Devin Stewart

JUL 24, 2013 Article

Burma's Reforms and Regional Cooperation in East Asia

"Though the 2010 elections that brought a civilian government to power were not free and fair, the new president, Thein Sein, has embarked upon a path-breaking ...

Political Philosophy in the Twentieth Century: Authors and Arguments

JUL 11, 2013 Article

Book Review: Political Philosophy in the Twentieth Century: Authors and Arguments

This collection of essays edited by Catherine Zuckert provides an overview of the work and lives of 18 thinkers who made significant contributions to the development ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/agecombahia/3568970666/">Manu Dias</a>, (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">CC</a>)

JUL 10, 2013 Article

Venezuela: An Ethical Foreign Policy?

Some observers see Venezuela's foreign policy as promoting international solidarity with the oppressed, combating poverty, and pushing for a just world order free of uni-polar ...

<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-28314817/stock-photo-male-capital-of-maldives.html?src=VpYpsd-sQ9uwbZKWOZ5hsw-8-17">Malé - Capital of Maldives</a> via Shutterstock

JUL 8, 2013 Article

Ethics on Film: Discussion of "The Island President"

As "The Island President" makes clear, it is impossible to overstate the catastrophic effect global warming will have on the Maldives. During the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, ...

Rio Protesters. CREDIT: Devin Stewart

JUN 25, 2013 Article

Global Ethical Dialogues: Lessons from Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina

Most societies agree on certain global norms. For example, in most countries, corruption is considered unethical. But what happens when global norms are applied locally? ...