Research

We research a broad range of topics in practical ethics and moral philosophy. Core areas of expertise include:

• Bioethics especially cloning, stem cell research and genetics
• Medical ethics
• Neuroethics
• Just War Theory and terrorism
• Business ethics
• International justice

Our research program is highly interdisciplinary. We work closely with medical, law, politics, international relations and religious studies departments both within Oxford and internationally.

Teaching

The Centre has a strong commitment to teaching ethics. Our staff contribute to the teaching of ethics within the Oxford philosophy faculty and the professional schools (Saïd Business School and School of Medicine). In addition we are able to provide resources, advice and outreach for secondary school teachers on a range of ethical issues. We welcome contact with all those involved in teaching and researching ethics.

The Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics does not itself accept students, graduate or undergraduate, though its staff do teach students accepted by the University of Oxford.

Graduate Study at the Centre: What we can offer

Information for those interested in graduate study in philosophy at the University of Oxford.

Philosophy Graduate Studies Handbooks

Graduate Placements - current positions of past student, research associates and other staff

Public debate

We seek to raise public awareness and understanding of ethical issues throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. We do this through an active program of public lecturing, media comment and consultation with practitioners and public figures. Centre staff are active throughout the world lecturing, conducting workshops and engaging in public and media debate. Specialist ethical assessment and advisory services may be available on a consultative basis.

Visitors to the Centre

We welcome visitors and applications from students to study with us or visit in the short term. The centre is part of the Faculty of Philosophy, which is recognized as one of the top philosophy departments in the world.

The Faculty of Philosophy at Oxford has more than 100 members, most of whom teach philosophy in the Faculty and colleges.  About 50 hold permanent posts within the Faculty. Oxford thus contains the largest group of philosophers in the UK, and one of the largest in the world. It has a vigorous research culture, and was given the top rating of 5* in the most recent research assessment exercise.  Each year, many distinguished philosophers from around the world visit Oxford for longer or shorter periods, to give lectures and seminars.  Permanent members of the in the Faculty with research interests in moral philosophy include John Broome, Krister Bykvist, Roger Crisp, Alison Denham, Edward Harcourt, Kinch Hoekstra, Sabina Lovibond, Adrian Moore, Derek Parfit, Julian Savulescu, John Tasioulas and Ralph Wedgwood  More information is available on the Faculty’s website.

The centre has collaborative links with the Programme on the Ethics of the New Bioscieces and the Oxford Future of Humanity Institute. Students and visitors are invited to regular seminars, events and meetings with the researchers at all 3 centres and to join with the life of the centre. For example, some of our current students are attending BEP's conference in Hong Kong, and take an active part as authors and developers of our new blog. Students will also have an opportunity to present work in progress at our new workshops organised in collaboration with the Institute for Science Ethics and Innovation chaired by John Sulston FRS and Nobel Laureat 2002, organised by Professor Julian Savulescu and Professor John Harris.

In addition to academic visitors and students, we are particularly keen to hear from practising doctors and lawyers who would like to visit. Please contact Miriam Wood if you are intersted in visiting informally, or on a non-academic basis. We also support formal Academic Visitor and Visiting Student status applications

If you have any queries or are unsure which status is most appropriate for you, please contact us.

Panoramic photography of Oxford by Seth Lazar