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

image of book cover Remix: Making Art and Commerce Thrive in the Hybrid Economy

DEC 9, 2008 Podcast

Remix: Making Art and Commerce Thrive in the Hybrid Economy

We are harming our children--and almost anyone who creates, enjoys, or sells any art form--with a restrictive copyright system driven by corporate interests. Lessig reveals ...

DEC 3, 2008 Podcast

Public Ethics Radio: Larry Temkin on Extending Human Lifespans

What would a world in which everyone lived beyond 100 be like? Would it really be worth it for us?

NOV 23, 2008 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Can Effective Leaders be Ethical Leaders?

Are ethics primary questions that precede and surround practical leadership? Are these daily questions that inform each political decision?

CREDIT: <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/40766286@N00/136003041/">Ernesto Cabellos/Guarango Cine y Video</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

NOV 21, 2008 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Corporate Social License and Community Consent

Moving beyond "social license" to respecting the principle of consent can be an effective way for companies and communities to control risks and create mutual ...

NOV 17, 2008 Podcast

Economic Gangsters: Corruption, Violence, and the Poverty of Nations

From the scapegoating of "witches" in Africa, to the pitfalls of speed-dating, to the cultures that foster corruption, Raymond Fisman explores the economics and psychology ...

Avenue of Flags at the UN Building, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/munksynz/1350801503/" target="_blank">munksynz</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en" target="_blank">CC</a>)

NOV 11, 2008 Article

Don't Give Up on Globalization

Globalization is an attitude of openness, and whether in cultural attitudes or economics, openness improves the lives of citizens by expanding opportunities for choice, says ...

NOV 7, 2008 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Disaster Relief and Ethics

We enter a slippery ethical slope when we begin to make distinctions between victims. When can an individual's rights be set aside?

Ark of the Liberties: America and the World

NOV 4, 2008 Podcast

Ark of the Liberties: America and the World

Ted Widmer shows that from its beginnings, the United States, for all its shortfalls, has been by far the world's greatest advocate for freedom.

Flower Pulled By Web <br> Photo by <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/linkerjpatrick/36520832/" target="_blank">Patrick Greer</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/deed.en" target="_blank">CC</a>)

OCT 30, 2008 Podcast

Can Web 2.0 Revolutionize Corporate Responsibility?

This lively panel examines the intersection of Web 2.0 technologies and the effort to hold corporations to account for both the harms and benefits they create.

Chomp! Photo by <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/booleansplit/2978372236/">Robert Donovan</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

OCT 30, 2008 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Fair Trade Trick-or-Treat

Children usually don costumes on Halloween to collect candy, but this year households will find a dark surprise when they open their doors: thousands of ...