Society in Ethics Across the Curriculum 2012

4th-6th October 2012 SEAC 14th International Conference Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

“The Art of Morality: Developing Moral Sensitivity Across the Curriculum”

Keynote Speaker: Patricia Churchland

Because different fields such as medicine, business, law, social work, journalism, etc. vary in the kinds of social relations and engagements between professionals and their clients, developing moral sensitivity within each field may be something unique and akin to learning an art form. Being perceptive and empathetic to the needs of others and the moral demands of a situation are important skills for moral action and essential for personal development. How we are to teach students to engage in moral actions and to develop necessary sympathies, perceptual abilities, and reasoning skills are pressing questions. In terms of content and theory, what are we to teach our students across the curriculum? What content in our classrooms serves to develop moral sensitivity as a personal matter, and what is the relationship between moral sensitivity and reasoning? In terms of practice, how do we teach them? What specific exercises, strategies, service learning projects, or artistic media develop moral sensitivity, and are the practices akin to an art form or easily applicable across the curriculum?

Although the theme of the conference highlights the art of morality across the curriculum, submissions are not limited to the conference theme. Send submissions—abstracts (500 words), papers (20 minute) or panel proposals—email or hard copy formatted for blind review by July 30, 2012 to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Society, Donna Werner, Chair, Humanities Department, St. Louis Community College, Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Boulevard, St. Louis MO 63122-5799, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Society publishes Teaching Ethics and conference papers may be considered for publication in that journal or a possible anthology.  More information: www.rit.edu/ethics/seac