As part of the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Profession’s mission to support research in the fields of practical and professional ethics, we sponsor a number of talks and events throughout the year in collaboration with other departments. Please be sure to check out our blog for more upcoming events and discussions of ethics-related news stories and resources. You are also welcome to check out our archive of past projects and events.
International Conference on Computer Ethics; Philosophical Inquiry 2023 (CEPE 2023)
The Illinois Institute of Technology will be the venue for the 2023 conference of the International Conference on Computer Ethics: Philosophical Inquiry (CEPE 2023), which will be held on May 16-18, 2023.
It will be co-hosted by the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions and the Center for Cyber Security and Forensics Education. CEPE is a leading international conference that has played a significant role in defining the field and is held biennially. It is organized by INSEIT in collaboration with the Ionian University Research Team, IHRC (Information: History, Regulation, and Culture).
Machine Learning (ML) Fariness: A Webinar
On March 24 the Ethics Center sponsored a webinar featuring a conversation featuring guest speakers Lindsay Weinberg and Leilani Gilpin who shared their thoughts and approaches regarding the trends of machine learning fairness. Topics of discussion included how are dominant trends in artificial intelligence fairness research entrenching, rather than remedying, issues of bias and discrimination, and how explanations can be used for ensuring fairness and accountability. See a recording of the event.
Changing Perspectives on Human and Animal Experimentation
Dr. Anita Guerrinni joined us on October 12, 2022, for her talk titled "Changing Perspectives on Human and Animal Experimentation," during which she explored the history of the use of humans and animals in research ranging from William Harvey's research on the circulation of the blood in 1628 to the development of smallpox vaccine in 1798, to the development and production of polio vaccines in the 1950s. Dr. Guerrini focuses on both the benefits of these advances as well as many of the ethical questions raised in the use of animals and children in the development of these medical advances. See a recording of the event.
Climate Change and Ethics: Reflecting on Risk and its Implications
The webinar investigated the roles of climate change-related risks in the context of decision-making, policy, and law. It reflected on the role of the prudence principle for spending on climate security measures and discussed the life-threatening implications of pollution and climate change that result from human activity. See a recording of the event.
Climate Change & Ethics: The Role of Governments and Societal Actors in Mitigating Climate Change
The webinar will explore the roles and responsibilities of governments and societal actors in the context of climate change. It will analyze what hinders stakeholders from more effectively promoting climate change mitigation and adaptation and reflect on what can be done to improve the situation. Topics include the role of science and amateurs in climate change conversations, the influence of businesses on policymaking around climate change, the importance of concern for the environment, solidarity, ecological reforms, and public education for climate justice. See a recording of the event.
Climate Change & Ethics: Where are We?
A Virtual Symposium
In light of the slow progress being made to mitigate climate change, there is a need to reflect on the ethical considerations at play. How can ethics help structure the discussion and facilitate climate justice? This symposium seeks to engage stakeholders in discussing the ethical assumptions implicit in our discussions and actions around climate change. See a recording of the event.