Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics

Description

In 2002, the Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education established the Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford. The following year, the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics was founded within the Philosophy Faculty. Generous support from the Uehiro Foundation enabled the establishment of an annual series of three lectures known as The Uehiro Lectures in Practical Ethics.

The goal of the Centre is to foster and support debates and in-depth rational reflection on practical ethics. It does not endorse any particular philosophy, approach, solution, or viewpoint as a whole, although individual members may present arguments to facilitate dialogue, engagement, and reflection. The Centre's focus is on advancing the method of rational analytic practical ethics, with a Socratic vision that emphasises inclusivity. The aim is to encourage debates between different ethical approaches, resolve disagreements, and identify areas of consensus.

Practical ethics should not only deepen knowledge through rational ethical reflection and dialogue, but also inspire personal transformation, leading to improved lives for individuals and others.

Humanity has thrived and reshaped its world, developing increasingly powerful technology with immense potential for immediate benefits as well as ultimate harm. This success has given rise to novel problems and challenges, for which traditional institutions and norms were not originally designed. These include climate change, environmental degradation, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, global inequality and poverty, cross-continental migration and multiculturalism, overuse of antibiotics, worldwide spread of infectious diseases, genetic engineering, biomedical life extension, cognitive and moral enhancement, and artificial intelligence. The fate of humanity in the 21st century and beyond will depend, to a greater extent than ever before, on the choices made by human beings—both leaders and citizens of nations. It is the values, principles, and broader ethics of these individuals that will shape their decisions. The Centre’s objective is to facilitate the development of practical ethics and enhance its effectiveness in guiding human choices.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

2003

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