UMBC’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) opened the new Center for Ethics and Values this semester. Through a series of campus, alumni, and community events, the center will foster thoughtful, informed, and nuanced discussions and exploration of pressing ethical issues across a wide range of fields including art, humanities, health care, science, and engineering.

Leading the charge is Jessica Pfeifer, associate professor of philosophy and former executive director of the Philosophy of Science Association. Pfeifer oversaw the development of the center and organized the Public Forum series with additional funding from the CAHSS Office of the Dean. The annual speaker series will feature leading experts on significant ethical issues faced by the campus community and society. Launching the series are experts on Journalism, Ethics, and Democracy, U.S. Presidential Elections, Neuroscience, Freewill, and Moral Responsibility, and more. 

“We all face ethical issues in nearly everything we do, from work to family life to our interactions with friends, to our role as citizens,” says Pfeifer. “The center will provide the campus community the opportunity to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the complexities of the ethical issues they face, as well as the relevance of ethical training for daily real-world decisions.”

Whitney Schwab, associate professor of philosophy, will lead the daily workings of the center as its inaugural director. “The Birth of Belief,” an article Schwab co-authored with Jessica Moss, professor of philosophy at New York University, received the 2019 Best Article Prize from the Board of Directors of the Journal of the History of Philosophy and was listed as one of the 10 best philosophy papers of 2019 by Philosopher’s Annual. Pfeifer notes that Schwab brings a wealth of knowledge about the history of philosophy, including the history of ethics, as well as his skills in public and student engagement to the position. “He is one of our most popular teachers,” says Pfeifer, “and is an excellent public speaker and discussant, who can hone in on central philosophical issues.”

The public forum kick-off event, Journalism, Ethics, and Democracy, on Thursday, September 26, includes Kim Yoshino, editor-in-chief of the Baltimore Banner, Melissa Block, longtime NPR host and correspondent, and Joe Saunders, associate professor of philosophy at Durham University, a public research university in Durham, England. UMBC’s Mike Nance, associate professor of philosophy, and a 2024 UMBC Dresher Center for the Humanities research fellow, will moderate the conversation.

In addition to establishing a new public forum series, the center will be home to UMBC’s Ethics Bowl team and a new host in the national line-up of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics regional competitions. This year’s Chesapeake Regional Ethics Bowl Tournament will be held on December 7, bringing teams from colleges throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to UMBC.

“Activities like the Ethics Bowl engage students to think more critically about their own values and decisions, and thereby be better able to engage with those whose views differ,” says Pfeifer. “This will make them better scientists, doctors, programmers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, parents, and citizens.”

Pre-register for the Journalism, Ethics, and Democracy public forum.

Learn more about a major, minor, or certificate in philosophy and the philosophy honors program.

It's that time of year again to protect yourself, your family and your community from current and upcoming infectious diseases!  Sign up now for this season's flu shot and the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  In addition, other vaccines against meningitis, RSV, shingles, tetanus and others will be available.  Options will be shown during the registration process.  Talk with your personal medical provider to see what is recommended for you.  Remember that a flu or COVID infection can significantly interrupt your studies, your work, and other important events in your life. Reduce this risk by getting vaccinated!

Fall 2024 Vaccine Clinic Dates and Locations

• October 2-4, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., University Center Ballroom

• October 8-9, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., University Center Ballroom

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This event is open to students, faculty, staff and their families ages 12+.

Retriever Integrated Health is here to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us via email rih@umbc.edu for more information. 

Thank you for helping to keep our community healthy.

It's that time of year again to protect yourself, your family and your community from current and upcoming infectious diseases!  Sign up now for this season's flu shot and the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  In addition, other vaccines against meningitis, RSV, shingles, tetanus and others will be available.  Options will be shown during the registration process.  Talk with your personal medical provider to see what is recommended for you.  Remember that a flu or COVID infection can significantly interrupt your studies, your work, and other important events in your life. Reduce this risk by getting vaccinated!

Fall 2024 Vaccine Clinic Dates and Locations

• October 2-4, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., University Center Ballroom

• October 8-9, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., University Center Ballroom

 Sign up now

This event is open to students, faculty, staff and their families ages 12+.

Retriever Integrated Health is here to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us via email rih@umbc.edu for more information. 

Thank you for helping to keep our community healthy.

Meet us at the Commons Quad at 12:00 on Wednesday, October 2nd to help eliminate the invasive spotted lanternfly on UMBC's campus! All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to join us in stomping and squashing. We will meet in the quad for brief remarks and then send small groups out to lanternfly gathering spots!