Ethics Week: Bringing higher thought to higher education

"As the philosophers tell us, ethical issues are those that involve values – the concepts of right and wrong, good and evil."
-- Steve Tanner, academic dean, Liberal Arts division

Faculty and students will examine such issues during Ethics Week, an annual CCBC tradition for eight years. Ethics Week will be held April 19-23, with each campus also observing a special Ethics Day, set for April 19 at Catonsville, April 20 at Essex and April 21 at Dundalk.

Founded by Steve Tanner, academic dean for the Liberal Arts division, Ethics Week is devoted to highlighting a variety of ethical issues in society and will include special programs, events and activities. Tanner is assisted by Bill Rice (Catonsville) and Timothy Davis (Dundalk) in coordinating this effort, sponsored by the Philosophy department within CCBC’s Liberal Arts division and supported by the Hoffberger Center for Professional Ethics. Activities invite students, faculty, staff and the community to become involved in ethical thought, discussion and debate.

One of the highlights of Ethics Week will be a visit by world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson as part of the college's award winning Spotlight Speaker Series at CCBC Essex. The author of three books and famous for his skill and courage in performing radical surgical procedures, Carson will speak in the B Building theater 12:45-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 20. Tickets are free but are required for admission. For additional information contact Rashida Govan at 443-840-1522.

Winners of the annual Ethics Essay contest will be announced as part of the week’s activities. Any student registered for a credit class at CCBC may enter the contest by writing a null-750-1000 word critical essay on any ethical issue. Submissions are due on April 12 and should be returned to Michele McGonagle (Q209 at Catonsville), Sue Kidwell (K Building, second floor, Dundalk) or Kathy Keavney (E316 at Essex). First, second and third prizes will be awarded in the amounts of $100, $75 and $50 respectively.

Other events in the works are a presentation on the ethics of online courses led by Wayne Alt, associate professor of Philosophy; and a panel discussion on biomedical issues moderated by Robert Solomon, associate professor in the Physicians' Assistant program, and Tim Davis, associate professor of Philosophy (both events at Essex). At CCBC Dundalk, a panel featuring student government and Phi Theta Kappa members will discuss academic integrity.

For more details on these and other activities contact Steve Tanner at 410-285-9881, Timothy Davis at 443-840-1492, or Bill Rice at 410-455-4376.