What is Ethics in Society?

The world asks us questions, as consumers, as students, as researchers, as educators – and as members of our communities, as citizens of our countries, and as denizens of this planet. 

Should we buy fast fashion? Allow parents to choose their babies’ traits? Should universities use standardized tests in admissions? Should police use invasive surveillance technologies to help them prevent crime? Must we do more to fight poverty or oppression overseas? Who should regulate autonomous drones – or personalized computer ‘companions’? Should we get royalties when tech companies mine our personal information for profit? 

At the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society, our motto is ‘world first.’ World first, problems first, people first – these all emphasize the pragmatic, empirical, human-centered values that have defined Stanford since its founding. Instead of putting theory first, we ask, ‘What do we see around us now that is affecting real human beings – or that will change humanity’s future?’ 

Our rich and varied programming includes public events, fellowships, courses, student training and leadership opportunities, an honors program, and outreach to industry and the community. For the 2024-25 academic year, we will emphasize three of the defining issues of our time: climate change, civil dialogue, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. 

We hope you will join us in helping to answer the questions that the world is asking today.

Leif Wenar, Faculty Director