Markkula Center of Applied Ethics

Programs in Technology

From search engine ethics to the ethics of genetically modified foods, the Markkula Center for Applied ethics has explored a wide variety of technology issues through conferences, presentations, and research.

Information Technology and Ethics
This series, co-sponsored with the University’s Center for Science, Technology, and Society, brings together panels of experts to address important ethical issues in IT. Video game ethics—including violence, gender bias, and addiction—kicked off the series in 2005, and panels have gone on to look at databases, privacy and security in a wireless world, social networking, and other topics.

Research
Over its 20-year history, the Center has fostered research into many aspects of technology and biotechnology, sponsoring conferences on cloning, gene patenting, and the Internet, among other issues. Through a gift from the Honzel Family Foundation, the Center also conducted a study on pharmacogenomics and ethics.

New Materials

  • Cydent
    An ethical toolkit for students in the virtual world
  • Tone in the Middle
    Center Executive Director Kirk O. Hanson addresses ethics and the middle manager
  • Controversial Commencements
    What ethical guidelines can universities use in choosing speakers? (podcast)
  • Pharmacogenomics
    How personalized medicine can develop in a way that promotes the good of both individuals and society

Center News