The Program in Ethics in Society, an undergraduate honors program, was initiated in 1986 under the leadership of a "blue ribbon" steering committee that included Kenneth Arrow (Economics), Pat Suppes (Philosophy), John Ferejohn (Political Science), Arnold Eisen (Religious Studies), David Kennedy (History), Bart Bernstein (History), and Michael Bratman (Philosophy).

In order to strengthen the presence of ethics teaching and research in the University, the Program was founded with two faculty positions, which were to be shared with the existing departments in the school of Humanities and Sciences. Partha Dasgupta (Economics) was recruited as the first director. After his departure, Susan Okin (Political Science) chaired the Program. She was followed by Debra Satz (Philosophy), who was the first hire in the Program. Rob Reich (Political Science), who also has an appointment in the Program, is its current director.

Since its inception, the Program in Ethics in Society has endeavored to engage faculty, students, staff, and the broad community in reflection and involvement with moral questions related to our collective life. We have developed and sponsored a range of classes, ran conferences and public lectures, and partnered with an array of community organizations. In 2001, Barbara and Bowen McCoy endowed the undergraduate program, enabling us to ramp up our presence on the campus.

In 2003, Professor Deborah Rhode (Law) launched the Stanford Center on Ethics, focused on graduate and professional training in ethics. Under her inaugural leadership, the Center on Ethics sponsored a number of important conferences, workshops, and public programs, and launched the Arrow Lectures in Ethics and Leadership.

In 2008, the Program in Ethics in Society and the Center on Ethics formally integrated into an enhanced Center for Ethics in Society under the directorship of Professor Debra Satz.