Current issues in ethics and public policy at the core of course

Within the framework of the five-day joint course titled "Ethics and Public Policy", Professor Corvino specifically introduced two key methods of ethical analysis: the applied and the constructive. He explained that while the applied method is more commonly used by ethicists, the constructive method is often preferable for addressing practical problems. 

According to the applied method, when discussing a public policy issue, the approach of normative statements of one theory is typically applied. According to the constructive method, the methodologies of different ethical theories may be selected based on the context and specific nuances of the problem. This approach takes into account factors such as existing norms of the regulation of the given problem, public opinion, societal traditions, political expediency, and more, making the discussion more multi-dimensional and practically oriented. 

The introductory-methodological presentation was followed by discussions on practical and applied issues. Throughout the course, speakers delivered lectures on various topics, including the ethics of public policy development to address poverty, the ethics of criminal justice, tax policy ethics, ethical dilemmas, and other relevant issues. Special attention was given to potential solutions to moral dilemmas arising in wartime situations.

Levon Babajanyan emphasized the importance of students engaging in discussions on these issues, becoming familiar with how ethical questions are framed in public policy, and learning how to apply ethical methodologies and approaches to problem-solving. This, he noted, would provide a solid foundation for their future professional work in the field.

"It is particularly important that, through international inter-university events, YSU students become familiar with the public political challenges faced by other countries and societies, recognize the commonalities in the problems they encounter, and learn different ethical and academic approaches to addressing them," said L. Babajanyan. 

Professor Corvino mentioned that the "Ethics and Public Policy" course at YSU provided him with the opportunity to not only get acquainted with YSU students and professors but also with Armenian life more broadly, including its society, culture, and political challenges. He expressed hope that, within the framework of the cooperation between UCLouvain and YSU, there would be further opportunities to visit Armenia and organize similar events at YSU.