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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JUL 2, 2010 Podcast

Activism and Policy: Prospects for Change in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is one of the most closed societies in the world. Its media and education system are propaganda tools and all opposition is crushed. Meanwhile, ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37degrees/3482554236/">Romel Jacinto</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUN 30, 2010 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Migrant Detention Leads to Harm

Detention is costly in economic and human terms. If EU states wish to sustain their migration management policies, they will have to rely more on ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/artemuestra/2940823679/">artemuestra</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUN 28, 2010 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Can Ethics Save Investors?

It is time for ethical conduct to graduate from being a cost of doing business associated with compliance, to a more prominent role as a ...

JUN 28, 2010 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Chinese Currency and Ethics

When China loosens the peg of its currency to the dollar, the U.S. will benefit--but it may hurt labor in China. While the looser ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wfryer/1160040021/" target="_blank">Wesley Fryer</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en" target="_blank">CC</a>).

JUN 24, 2010 Podcast

Future Leaders and Global Business Values: The IBM Worldwide Student Survey

How do the views of today's students and CEOs differ with regard to business on a shared planet? IBM engages with the Council's Carnegie New ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kkseema/464236751/">Seema K K</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUN 23, 2010 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: Simulating Environmental Diplomacy

Incorporating environmental issues in conflict resolution may have positive psychological effects on the willingness of parties to cooperate.

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bswise/4457290211/">B. S. Wise</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUN 22, 2010 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Pragmatic Overdose

The Obama administration is trying to redefine and energize U.S. global development policy, but so far their vision lacks creativity and clear ethics.

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/intial-t/2676493092/">Lucy</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUN 21, 2010 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Student Attitudes Surveyed

There is a fine line between self-esteem and self-absorption. It is hard to tell which side Generation Y is on, but the IBM Global Student ...

Ethics & International Affairs: A Reader, Third Edition

JUN 4, 2010 Article

Book Review: Ethics & International Affairs: A Reader, Third Edition

"...this is a fantastic, easily accessible and well-written series of contributions," writes Brent J. Steele. "...these are selections from some of the most serious, vibrant, ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/32563690/">Leo Reynolds</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUN 2, 2010 Article

Foundations Are Free to Innovate

Charitable and philanthropic foundations hold a uniquely privileged position in society. With the right mix of daring and rigor they can spark real creativity among ...