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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DEC 7, 2021 Podcast

The Ethics of Global Vaccine Distribution, Part Four, with Ezekiel J. Emanuel

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, new questions have arisen in regards to the ethics of global vaccine distribution. In a continuation of a series started ...

NOV 10, 2021 Article

Why Are We Failing at the Ethics of AI?

As you read this, AI systems and algorithmic technologies are being embedded and scaled far more quickly than existing governance frameworks (i.e., the rules ...

NOV 3, 2021 Podcast

Time for an Honest Scientific Discourse on AI & Deep Learning, with Gary Marcus

In this episode of the "Artificial Intelligence & Equality Initiative" podcast, Senior Fellow Anja Kaspersen speaks with Gary Marcus to discuss the need for an open ...

NOV 2, 2021 Video

Carnegie New Leaders Podcast: International Relations in the Context of Plato, with Ilya Kursenko

Samantha Jordan, president of Carnegie New Leaders, speaks with Ilya Kursenko, a member of the Carnegie New Leaders and a Master's student at Saint Petersburg ...

OCT 21, 2021 Podcast

Global Ethics Day Special Event: On the Frontlines of Democracy

Whether it's rigging elections in Hong Kong, arresting activists in Venezuela, restricting voting access in the U.S., silencing the opposition in Belarus, or censorship ...

OCT 19, 2021 Article

Let's Use Today to Empower Ethics and Build a Better Future

"It's clear that humanity faces a number of global-scale challenges," writes Joel Rosenthal in his Global Ethics Day message. "Although this moment may feel overwhelming, ...

OCT 13, 2021 Podcast

Global Ethics Review: Midnight's Borders, with Suchitra Vijayan

"What does it mean for us to think about these border regions beyond the questions of international security?" asks Suchhitra Vijayan, the author of the ...

OCT 8, 2021 Podcast

The Promise & Peril of AI & Human Systems Engineering, with Mary "Missy" Cummings

In this episode of the "Artificial Intelligence and Equality Initiative" podcast, Senior Fellows Anja Kaspersen and Wendell Wallach are joined by former U.S. Navy ...

Reflection pool at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. CREDIT: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/ei68SS">Steve Gardner</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(CC)</a>

SEP 10, 2021 Article

After 20 Years of Grey Wars, a Moment to Consider a Different Course

"As we approach the 20-year commemoration of 9/11, a chapter in the history of U.S. foreign policy is closing," writes Carnegie Council President Joel H. ...

"Tribute in Light" commemorative art installation, September 11, 2020. CREDIT: <a href="https://flickr.com/photos/wasabi_bob/50342448667/">Wasabi Bob</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">(CC)</a>.

SEP 9, 2021 Podcast

Twenty Years Since 9/11: Grey Wars, American Values, & the Future of National Security

In the 20 years since the 9/11 attacks, national security decisions have tested the values of American democracy. This panel, hosted by Carnegie Council President Joel Rosenthal, ...