Interdisciplinary Ethics

In the event of an overcrowded hospital, who will be treated first? According to the philosopher Aristotle or theologian Thomas Aquinas, what criteria distinguish "good" from "evil"? Which ethical requirements must Corona warning apps fulfill? On which traditions are the ways of thinking in Germany, France and other European countries based? A discussion about ethical questions from different professional and cultural perspectives is the core of the new binational Master's degree program “Interdisciplinary Ethics”, which will start in the 2020/2021 winter semester at the Universities of Freiburg and Strasbourg.

"Apart from basic and applied research in the field of ethics, the students will also deal with the public reflection and communication of ethical questions," explained Prof. Dr. Klaus Baumann, program officer of the course at the University of Freiburg. "Our interdisciplinary approach is made possible through cooperation with different faculties. We place ethical questions in the various contexts of theology, philosophy, medicine or economics," adds Prof. Dr. Marie-Jo Thiel, program officer of the course at the University of Strasbourg.

The students begin their cross-border Master’s degree program together at the University of Strasbourg. The second semester takes place in Freiburg. They spend the third semester at both universities, and during this time they also have access to courses from the entire University network Eucor - The European Campus. These include the Universities of Freiburg and Strasbourg, the Universities of Basel and Haute-Alsace, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Finally, in the fourth semester, students can decide whether to do their Master’s thesis in Freiburg or Strasbourg. In addition, each semester, all students meet for a joint seminar focusing on the research for their respective master's theses.

After successfully completing their studies, students receive a double Master’s degree. This qualifies them for a professional activity in the field of ethics research, ethics consultancy and the communication of ethical discourse on a regional and international level. The teaching languages are German, French and English. The application deadline on the German side is July 15, 2020. A total of 20 spots are available per year, ten at each location.

Further information