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The Parr Center for Ethics has proudly served as Carolina’s focal point for inquiry into and discussion of ethical questions since 2004. The mission of the Parr Center is to nourish and foster ethical reflection and moral sensitivity on campus and beyond, guided by the conviction that ethics is everywhere. The Parr Center is committed to integrating abstract work in ethical theory with thoughtful, informed exploration of ethical issues important to the University and the communities it serves. The Parr Center is housed physically and administratively within UNC’s Department of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences.

 

The Parr Center sees ethical reflection as a pervasive element of human life that is relevant to all fields of endeavor and at all stages of the lifespan. In keeping with its dual mission to nourish and foster ethical reflection on campus and beyond, the Parr Center offers both i) a rich menu of programming aimed mainly at campus (University) constituencies, and ii) a range of activities designed to encourage and enhance ethical reflection by participants outside the University. In particular, the Parr Center:

 

The Parr Center and its programs have won the American Philosophical Association and Philosophy Documentation Center Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Philosophy Programs three times (in 2008, 2014, and 2021).

 

 

 

Recent News


We're Hiring: Parr Center Administrator


The Parr Center for Ethics is searching for qualified candidates to join our team this Fall as the Center's new Administrator.

A Message on Recent Events at Carolina


A message from the Center's Program Directors for the students we serve on the Chapel Hill campus.

Become a Parr Heel: Applications Now Open


Become a Parr Heel in 2023-2024! The Parr Heels application will open on August 20 and close on September 14.

New Paper on the Virtues of Ethics Bowl


See our discussion in a new, open-access article in the Journal of Philosophy in Schools!

Announcing Our Fall 2023 Speaker Series


The Parr Center for Ethics is proud to announce its Fall 2023 Speaker Series, and we invite our community to join us for three great conversations this semester.

Maria Hester Wins NHSEB Alumni Scholarship


The Director and Executive Committee of the National High School Ethics Bowl are very proud to announce that Maria Hester is the inaugural winner of the program's Austin Foushee Alumni Scholarship.

 

 

Non-Discrimination Statement
The non-discrimination policy of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill states that we are “committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment.” This applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to our campus. The policy further states that the University does not “discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.” The Parr Center for Ethics endorses this policy and opposes any attempt to weaken or undermine the University’s commitment to promoting diversity and equality.