Methods in Applied Ethics

Topic and issues

What are the methods of applied ethics? What are good methods? The methodological landscape of applied ethics ranges from «top down» applications of ethical theory (utilitarianism, deontology, contractualism, virtue ethics) to real world issues, to principlism and less theory-oriented approaches such as casuistry, pragmatism, feminist ethics and narrativism. Moreover, reflective equilibrium approaches have been proposed that seek to balance different theories and considerations and yield coherence among a plurality of ethical, political, religious and empirical beliefs. More recently, approaches emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary research have gained ground, adding to the methodological mix such concepts as Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and «embedded» ethical research.

The aim of the conference is to gather philosophers, ethicists and researchers of all methodological stripes and colours to exchange ideas and discuss how we are to think of and apply methods in applied ethics today, both within research, teaching and dissemination. Participants are encouraged to present theoretical as well as practical perspectives on methodology.

The conference is organized by the Programme for Applied Ethics, NTNU, in collaboration with the Practical Philosophy Working Group at the University of Oslo.

For enquiries, please contact Espen Dyrnes Stabell, [email protected].