The University of Georgia will participate in the University System of Georgia’s Ethics Awareness Week, scheduled for Nov. 7-13.
This year’s theme is “It’s Up To All Of Us To Create A More Ethical Culture,” and several upcoming events for faculty, staff and students aim to build that culture.
The Department of Philosophy will host a talk by Mary Beth Willard, professor of philosophy at Weber State University, on “Why Artists Won’t Stay #Canceled” on Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. in Room 115 of Peabody Hall. Her talk explores why some artists who were canceled are now returning and embracing their counterculture status.
On Oct. 22, the philosophy department is hosting a Mini Ethics Bowl. Teams of up to four will debate ethical dilemmas for a chance at prizes. This tournament-style competition will take place over several rounds in Peabody Hall, with a final showdown between the top teams taking place in Room 115. Coffee and lunch will be provided for participants. Registration is available here.
Additionally, UGA is fielding an intercollegiate ethics bowl team for the first time. The team’s practice includes a scrimmage with the United States Military Academy at West Point, and they will compete in a regional competition at the University of North Georgia on Nov. 12.
The Ethics Film Festival kicks off Nov. 3. Throughout the month, films that raise ethical issues about AI and technology will be shown from 7-10 p.m. in Room 400 of the Fine Arts Building. Showings are free and open to all, and UGA faculty will introduce the films and facilitate a brief discussion afterward.
The films include the following:
- 3: “Alphaville” facilitated by Richard Neupert (Department of Theater and Film) and Aaron Meskin (Department of Philosophy)
- 9: “Minority Report” facilitated by Jeremy Davis (Department of Philosophy)
- 16: “Her” facilitated by Vivian Appler (Department of Theater and Film)
- 30: “Limitless” facilitated by Sarah Wright (Department of Philosophy)
Ethics Awareness Week begins with “Chancellor’s Chat: Promoting a Culture of Excellence,” a virtual discussion with USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue and Dan Cathy, chairman of Chick-fil-A, Inc., from 11 a.m. to noon on Nov. 7. USG will also host a virtual best practices panel discussion on “Steering an Ethical Culture through Rapid Change and the Great Resignation” from 11 a.m. to noon on Nov. 10.
Tristan Leavitt, attorney and member of the Merit Systems Protection Board, will deliver the Getzen Lecture on Government Accountability on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. in the Special Collections Library auditorium. The event is a fall 2022 Signature Lecture and is sponsored by the School of Public and International Affairs’ Department of Public Administration and Policy.
