The EthicsLab: Responsible Action in the Real World

Why should I take this Trinity Elective?

We live in a world filled with ethical dilemmas. We face questions about the future of AI, genetic engineering, global finance, political leadership, migration, and climate responsibility. How can we make informed ethical decisions in such a complex landscape? The EthicsLab is an innovative space where you will engage in debates, explore ethical biases, and design solutions to pressing ethical challenges alongside students and professors from diverse disciplines. If you want to sharpen your critical thinking, challenge your perspectives, and develop the skills to navigate the ethical issues shaping our future, this is the Trinity Elective for you.

What will I learn?

• Gain insight into major ethical dilemmas in contemporary society and learn how they are addressed in specialist and multidisciplinary environments.
• Develop skills in ethical analysis and reflection, applicable to your field of study.
• Understand how personal values, institutional cultures, and philosophical traditions shape moral values and ethical decision-making.
• Learn to navigate complex ethical issues through hands-on, multidisciplinary collaboration.

What will I do?

• Participate in the EthicsLab, where you will analyze and debate real-world ethical challenges.
• Engage with TED-style talks from leading thinkers, discussing major ethical questions.
• Take part in moderated online discussions with experts in ethics.
• Work in groups to co-design ethical solutions for issues in technology, health, politics, law, business, and beyond.

How will this be delivered?

• 11 x 15-minute TED-style lectures on key ethical questions.
• 11 hours of moderated online discussions linked to TED-style talks.
• Weekly 2-hour EthicsLab sessions featuring group work, collaborative learning, and project work (22 hours).
• Independent study (~92 hours).

How will this be assessed?

• Ethical scenario analysis (60%) – A written project applying ethical reasoning to a contemporary issue.
• Personal Ethical Reflection (20%) – A written personal reflection on how one's mind has or has not changes and why.
• Participation in EthicsLab (20%) – Active engagement in discussions and collaborative learning.

Who can take this Trinity Elective?

This module is open to all students eligible for a Trinity Elective, providing an opportunity to explore ethical challenges that shape our world.

* Please note that assessment methods, assessment weightings and amount of contact hours are subject to change by the module coordinator. You can confirm all assessment details and expected contact hours with the module coordinator upon starting the elective.