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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Arguing About War by Michael Walzer

OCT 13, 2004 Transcript

Arguing About War (2004)

Walzer rejects the argument that the invasion of Iraq was justified: "It is only massacre or ethnic cleansing or mass enslavement in progress that justifies ...

Arguing About War by Michael Walzer

OCT 13, 2004 Podcast

Arguing About War (2004)

Walzer rejects the argument that the invasion of Iraq was justified: "It is only massacre or ethnic cleansing or mass enslavement in progress that justifies ...

Arguing About War by Michael Walzer

OCT 13, 2004 Podcast

Arguing About War (2004)

Walzer rejects the argument that the invasion of Iraq was justified: "It is only massacre or ethnic cleansing or mass enslavement in progress that justifies ...

Arguing About War by Michael Walzer

OCT 13, 2004 Podcast

Arguing About War (2004)

Walzer rejects the argument that the invasion of Iraq was justified: "It is only massacre or ethnic cleansing or mass enslavement in progress that justifies ...

AUG 31, 2004 Article

Feature Articles from Inprint Newsletter (2001–2004): Ask the Candidates--and Ourselves

Election seasons are a time of easy claims of moral clarity and virtue. Yet elections can also heighten our awareness of important issues, encouraging sharp ...

JUN 28, 2004 Article

On Becoming Our Own Worst Enemy

"Ethics is a complex issue, and more so in war when our nation rightly sanctions deadly force in ways unacceptable in peace. But, . . we must ...

MAY 14, 2004 Article

'Responding to "Delinquent" Institutions: Blame, Punishment and Rehabilitation'

Report on a workshop that confronts "both the conceptual and practical complexities of blaming, and attempting to respond to, formal organizations that are seen to ...

MAY 6, 2004 Article

Feature Articles from Inprint Newsletter (2001–2004): From the Margins to the Mainstream: A Blueprint for Ethics and International Affairs

"For me, the way into the study of ethics and international affairs begins with the concept of choice", says Rosenthal. "Ethics is a reflection on ...

MAR 4, 2004 Article

Feature Articles from Inprint Newsletter (2001–2004): From Andrew Carnegie to Hans Morgenthau

Carnegie and Morgenthau make an instructive pair, explains Council President Joel Rosenthal. Carnegie, an idealist, stood for "never again war," while Morgenthau stood for "never ...

Backstory: Inside the Business of News by Ken Auletta

JAN 14, 2004 Transcript

Backstory: Inside the Business of News

Auletta explores four of "the deadliest sins of journalism": synergy, the clash of business culture and news culture, hubris, and bias.