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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MAR 12, 2010 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Greece, Goldman, and Financial Transparency?

This short video on ethics asks: Is Goldman Sachs responsible for the current financial crisis in Greece? Or should Greek politicians who knew of Goldman's ...

MAR 10, 2010 Podcast

Michael Doyle on Nonintervention and the Responsibility to Protect

What circumstances justify overriding sovereignty? Michael Doyle discusses the difficult questions surrounding nonintervention and the "unanimous revolution" of 2005, which led to the new norm known ...

FEB 26, 2010 Podcast

Is Public Diplomacy Beneficial for all Participants?

One goal of public diplomacy is to create allies inside other states through education programs or cultural exchanges. Should this be viewed as enriching individuals, ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theverypage/2469440713/">Joshua Heineman</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

FEB 22, 2010 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: The Future of Capitalism and Danger of Returning to Business as Usual

When it comes to making sense of international finance and economics, the era of so-called scientific certainties is over. To address the structural challenges the ...

Satchmo in Cairo. CREDIT: United States Department of State (PD).

FEB 20, 2010 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: The Evolution of Revolution

Revolution is hard work, and lethal. Social media has a communicative role to play in the sophisticated design of systems that will undermine human suffering ...

FEB 13, 2010 Podcast

Do You Agree or Resign?

Can you hold to ethical standards and serve a government that makes mistakes? Does becoming a diplomat mean, "my country right or wrong"?

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/djringer/274454009">David Ringer</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

FEB 11, 2010 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Defining Environmental Migrants

As the world attempts to solve the growth in climate migrants and refugees, accurate and legally justifiable definitions will be a crucial first step.

FEB 5, 2010 Podcast

Do People Matter in U.S. Foreign Policy?

Is U.S. foreign policy determined by individual policy-makers and core values, or by external threats and domestic pressures?

FEB 3, 2010 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Immigration Administration Control in Japan

Japanese immigration policy seeks to balance the needs of migrants and refugees with the harmonious functioning of Japanese industry, society, and employment.

JAN 29, 2010 Podcast

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?