Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Ethics Spotlight

Standoff between two people
(AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)

The Power of Symbols

Symbols are playing a critical role in today’s deeply divided society. Ethics Center staff and scholars weigh in on the power of symbols and their related ethical implications.

Symbols and Civility by Kirk O. Hanson, senior fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Ethics and the Symbolism of Black Face by Don Heider, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Symbolic Literacy: Essential for Our Democracy by Ann Mongoven, associate director of Health Care Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

The Symbol of Jussie Smollett for American Journalism by Anita Varma, program manager for Journalism & Media Ethics as well as Business, Leadership, and Social Sector Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Reparations: The Missing Chapter in America’s ‘Pragmatic’ Quest for Justice to African Americans by Subramaniam Vincent who is leading projects for Journalism & Media Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Also read our recent spotlight feature on the ethics of immigration

Perspectives on the News

Sharing or Shunning Christchurch Content?

Human dignity as an ethical principle for digital news.

Doing What Works

In the face of uncomfortable times both nationally and in Silicon Valley, self-reflection on the good life helps us figure out what works and what doesn't.