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/steviezj/248886048/">Stephen Jones</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

DEC 18, 2008 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: The New Science of Sustainable Dynamics

The concept of sustainability is used as a policy guide today, but beyond this important sense of applied ethics sustainability must also become a science.

Some organizations voluntarily adopt <br>whistleblower protections. Photo by <br><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/alf07/2782258974/?">Álfheiður Magnúsdóttir</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

DEC 15, 2008 Article

Raising the Bar for Hedge Funds: Self-Policing Preferable to Over-Regulation

Calls for strict oversight of hedge funds have grown recently, particularly since the arrest of trader Bernard Madoff and other high-profile fraud cases. While new ...

Some organizations voluntarily adopt <br>whistleblower protections. Photo by <br><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/alf07/2782258974/?">Álfheiður Magnúsdóttir</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

DEC 15, 2008 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Raising the Bar for Hedge Funds

Calls for strict oversight of hedge funds have grown recently, particularly since the arrest of trader Bernard Madoff and other high-profile fraud cases. While new ...

DEC 12, 2008 Podcast

Devin Stewart Interviews Chong-Pin Lin

Dr. Lin discusses Taiwan's current political crisis; relations with China; climate change; the future of democracy in East Asia; what Obama's presidency may mean for ...

DEC 12, 2008 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Robots, the Battlefield, and Ethics

Can intelligent robot soldiers be designed to be more ethical in battle than human soldiers? Would you prefer a robot or a human deciding about ...

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 ...