Ethics topics featured in spring lecture series

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Truth in the media and business ethics and sustainability are among topics that will discussed during Western Michigan University's Center for the Study of Ethics in Society annual spring lecture series continuing virtually Wednesday, Feb. 16, through Tuesday, April 5. All events are free and open to the public.

The lecture series

• “Ethics and the Lifespan of a Fact” will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16. After the cast performs a short scene from Farmers Alley Theatre’s production of “Lifespan of a Fact,” the play’s director will facilitate a discussion of some of the ethical issues posed by the production concerning facts, truth and the media. Joining D. Terry Williams will be Sue Ellen Christian, professor of communication; Richard Katrovas, professor of English, and the cast of the play including Paul Stroili, Laurie Carter Rose and Myles Schwarz. This event is co-sponsored by Farmers Alley Theatre, and WMU's School of Communication and Department of English. Register to receive the meeting link.
• “Do We Have an Ethical Duty of Moral Attention?” will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 14. Featuring Victoria Vuletich, founder and CEO of Ethics², this program will discuss disinformation and algorithms designed to encourage addiction and the ethical duty to curate what is permitted. Register to receive the meeting link.
• “Business Ethics and Sustainability” will be at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, and features discussion by Dr. Timothy Palmer, professor of management. This program is co-sponsored by the college’s Center for Sustainable Business Practices. Register to receive the Webex link.
• “Disputed Memorials and the Moral Standards Question” rounds out the series at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5. The speaker is Ainsley Carry, vice-president for students at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. This talk is co-sponsored by WMU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Register to receive the meeting link.

All Ethics Center events are eligible for WMU Signature credit. Learn more about the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society and its lecture series.

About the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society

In August 1985, the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society was created after WMU faculty across the curriculum met to discuss their common interests in studying and teaching ethics. Each academic year, the center sponsors a number of public presentations addressing a wide range of ethical issues.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.