Ethical questions arise in the most important areas of our lives - from personal choices to public policy, from emerging technologies to ongoing social challenges. At the Uehiro Oxford Institute, we believe that rigorous philosophical inquiry should inform and enrich public discourse and practical decision-making.
Our work rests on a core commitment: translating philosophical thought into meaningful action. We bring the depth and precision of academic research to real-world ethical challenges, creating productive dialogue between scholarly expertise and the diverse views of communities, practitioners, and policymakers.
What We Do
We extend ethical inquiry beyond the University through:
Public Dialogue - Creating spaces where diverse voices can engage with pressing ethical questions, from local community conversations to national policy debates.
Practical Tools - Developing frameworks and resources that help people navigate ethical complexity in their work and lives.
Education – Making philosophical inquiry accessible at every level - in local schools, prisons, universities, and professional development programs.
Innovation - Pioneering new ways to communicate philosophical ideas and encourage ethical inquiry through social media, creative collaborations, and emerging technologies.
Our Approach
We work collaboratively with schools, communities, policymakers, media, and cultural organisations. We believe the best engagement is inclusive, responsive, and built on genuine dialogue rather than one-way communication.
Everyone at the Institute - staff, students, and visiting scholars - is encouraged to involve public and community voices throughout their research, from initial design through to impact. We provide substantial funding, training, and support to make meaningful engagement possible.
Why It Matters
Ethical questions shape everything from personal relationships to global policy. By making philosophical thinking more accessible and demonstrating its practical value, we aim to foster more thoughtful, inclusive, and responsible decision-making across society.
We're committed to responsible impact on local, national, and international scales - not just responding to ethical debates, but leading the way on emerging issues that will shape our collective future and will promote flourishing.
Want to get involved?
Explore our events, programmes, and resources, or contact us to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
