Lecture Series
The Center for the Study of Ethics in Society at Western Michigan University offers programs each semester. All events are free and open to the public. Check back often for updates.
See current event descriptions.
Current events
Check back in January for our Spring 2026 programs!
Past events
2025
September 24 – “Paws for Thought: Ethical Considerations of Therapy Dog Work,” Angie Moe, Professor in the Department of Sociology and Director of the WMU Therapy Dog Clinic. 5:30 p.m. in Room 2209 of the Student Center. Co-sponsors: WMU Therapy Dog Clinic, The Resiliency Center for Families and Children in the College of Health and Human Services. Download flier.
October 3 – “Systems that Harm: The Ethics of Scaffolding for Support,” Kevin Timpe, William H. Jellema Chair in Christian Philosophy at Calvin University. Keynote speaker for the 2025 Medical Humanities Conference. 11:45 a.m. in 00302 Dunbar Hall. Co-sponsors: Medical Humanities Workgroup, Department of Philosophy. Email @email for Teams link. Download flier.
October 7 – "Uber's Problem and the Moral Architecture of the Gig Economy,” Mark Hoipkemier, Assistant Research Professor in Business Ethics and Society at the University of Notre Dame. 6:30 p.m., 1060 Fetzer Center. Co-sponsor: Department of Philosophy. Download flier. Watch video.
October 22 – “When Living Becomes Assisted,” Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Senior Readers Theater. 4:30 p.m. in Room 1010 of the College of Health and Human Services Building. Director: D. Terry Williams; Assistant Director: Mary VanDerMaas. Discussion afterward with cast and Shukurani Nsengiyumva, Program Manager for the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter. Co-sponsors: OLLI and Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter. Download flier.
November 5 – “Artificial Intelligence and the Complexities of Love and Creativity in Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun,” Jil Larson, Professor in the Department of English. 5:30 p.m. in Room 2209 of the Student Center. Co-sponsor: Department of English. Download flier.
December 1 – “Disparities in PFAS Exposure and Health Impacts,” Courtney Carignan, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University with a joint appointment in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 6 p.m. in Putney Auditorium at the Fetzer Center. Co-sponsor: Lewis Walker Institute. Download flier.
Click here for previous lectures and events.