Department of Philosophy Archives

Why the pandemic is more confusing than ever

Mask on. Mask off. Now, put your mask on again. Don’t leave your house. Hug your grandparents. Stop hugging Grandma. Trying to navigate the renewed risks of the pandemic amidst the Delta variant may make your head spin. “We are in a situation where the ground rules have changed,” says Rory Smead, associate professor of philosophy at Northeastern.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki August 23, 2021

Illustration by Gregory Grinnell/Northeastern University

The person walking past you isn’t wearing a mask. What should you say?

It’s best to avoid hostility and communicate with empathy when it comes to helping people understand why covering their faces can slow the spread of the virus, say Northeastern researchers.

by Roberto Molar Candanosa May 15, 2020

Northeastern professors Ron Sandler and John Basl provide organizations a framework for creating a well-designed and effective artificial intelligence and data ethics committee in a new report produced in collaboration with global professional services company Accenture.

Northeastern researchers team up with Accenture to offer a road map for artificial intelligence ethics oversight

In a newly published report, Northeastern professors John Basl and Ron Sandler offer a framework for governments, higher education, and industry to incorporate committees to oversee the ethics of the development of artificial intelligence technologies and responsible collection of data.

by Khalida Sarwari August 29, 2019

Artificial intelligence can reflect human bias, but it can also help undo it

The Information Ethics Roundtable will discuss solutions to a flawed system: the infusion of human bias into artificial intelligence. The three-day event kicks off Friday, April 5, at 909 Renaissance Park on Northeastern’s Boston campus.

by Aria Bracci April 3, 2019

Northeastern professors Patricia Illingworth and Wendy Parmet posit that healthcare is a human rights issue. Photo via iStock.

Professors: Providing healthcare for non-US citizens a ‘moral obligation’

Calling it a “moral obligation” and a “global public good,” Northeastern professors Patricia Illingworth and Wendy Parmet posit that healthcare is a human rights issue, and that extending coverage in the U.S. to non-citizens could actually alleviate both the cost and care burdens on everyone.

by Molly Callahan February 23, 2017

09/06/15 - BOSTON, MA. - Pulitzer Prize winning author, Tracy Kidder and Deogratias Niyizonkiza, the subject of Kidder's book speak on a panel during the First Pages event held in Matthews Arena on Sept. 6, 2016. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

A survivor’s story: From genocide to healthcare visionary

Deogratias Niyizonkiza, the protagonist in author Tracy Kidder’s Strength in What Remains, inspires first-year students to understand “the pain of others so you can work to never let people suffer like that again.” The book was this year’s selection for the university’s First Pages program.

by Thea Singer September 9, 2016

People Discussion Meeting Give Help Donate Charity Concept

3Qs: #GivingTuesday and how to measure the impact of your gift

Today is #GivingTuesday, dubbed as a global day dedicated to giving back. Professor Patricia Illingworth says that while the day can greatly benefit charities, there are concerns with the unofficial holiday and that people should consider the impact of their charitable gifts.

by Casey Bayer December 1, 2015

Do species matter?

In a new book, associate professor of philosophy Ronald Sandler argues that efforts to preserve species endangered by climate change is a costly and ineffective protocol.

by Angela Herring October 3, 2012