What is Ethics?

Ethics draws on different disciplines to identify and interrogate the variables relevant for decision-making and action, including our reasons, values, character, and cultural traditions. Rather than simply describing how people behave, ethics guides us by asking what we should do and what kind of people we should try to become.

The Role of Ethicists

Ethicists carefully and critically explore how we think about and determine right and wrong and they analyze the standards and motivations that govern personal and group action.

Exploring through Discourse

Emory's Center for Ethics is dedicated to exploring questions generated by the dispositions and decisions that shape our minds, lives, and society. To do so, scholars from across the university gather at the center to research and discuss questions of value.

The Center also hosts public programs, partners and consults with private and public community organizations, and teaches students at every level of university life. Emory's renowned ethicists are committed to asking tough questions and developing strategies to help enable people and organizations to clarify and effectively realize their values.