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.flickr.com/photos/globalcitizen01/5908582098/" target=_blank>GlobalCitizen01</a>

SEP 15, 2011 Article

SUSTAINABILITY FORUM: The Population and Sustainability Debate

According to UN projections, our world will be home to more than 9 billion people by 2050, increasing competition for livable space and critical resources such as ...

SEP 9, 2011 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Ten Years After 9/11: What Have We Learned?

As we take stock of the decade since 9/11, the lessons we have learned are still unclear. Ten years on, analysts impart contentious lessons that may ...

SEP 8, 2011 Transcript

In Search of a Global Ethic

Life on earth is fast becoming a shared destiny, and a global ethic is no longer a luxury but a necessity. If we can create ...

SEP 8, 2011 Podcast

In Search of a Global Ethic

Life on earth is fast becoming a shared destiny, and a global ethic is no longer a luxury but a necessity. If we can create ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37601286@N06/4695675769/" target=_blank">Garrett Ziegler</a>

SEP 7, 2011 Article

SUSTAINABILITY FORUM: What are the Limitations and Benefits of the Sustainability Approach?

Is sustainability the only, or even the most desirable framework for environmental issues? What are the limitations and benefits of the sustainability approach, and what ...

SEP 1, 2011 Podcast

The U.S. Credit Rating Downgrade: What Does it Mean?

Is the U.S. no longer the center of the economic universe? Credit expert Ann Rutledge discusses the recent credit rating downgrade of the U....

CREDIT: Dennis Doyle, Carnegie Council

AUG 31, 2011 Article

The Ethics of the Nuclear Security Summit Process

This paper examines the ethical questions around two intertwined 21st century issues: nuclear terrorism and the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process. Does the process take ...

AUG 26, 2011 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Libya After Qaddafi: Redefining our Responsibilities

As Libya prepares for its future, do NATO member states have a moral responsibility to protect peace and stability? Or should Libya's future be of ...

AUG 19, 2011 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: In America, Does Pluralist Democracy Still Work?

Has pluralism in America emphasized private interest over public good? Does the market for ideas need more supervision, or should the market rule?

JUL 29, 2011 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Norway: When Belief Justifies Murder

The power of belief is terrifying. Do you believe anything strongly enough to take a life without the sanction of authorities? Can any belief justify ...