The Journal of Ethics in Higher Education is a biannual academic journal published by Globethics Foundation based in Geneva (Switzerland).
The focus and scope of the Journal of Ethics in Higher Education (J. ethics high. educ.) is to answer to the request made by many faculty members from Globethics Consortium of higher education institutions, Network, Partners, Regional Programmes and participants to Globethics International Conferences to have a new space on Globethics platform for the publication of their research results in a scientific Journal.

J. ethics high. educ. is aimed for academic experts in ethics and education, working at the forefront of ethical thinking in global and intercultural perspective, academic integrity and the philosophy and practice of higher education.

The J. ethics high. educ. is a diamond open-access journal on ethics in higher education (no fee for the author or reader).

ISSN 2813-4370 (Print) ; 2813-4389 (Online)

News

The Globethics Library has vol. 1(2022) to current.

Recent Submissions

  • From Disposable Education to Acting in the World as a Human in the Time of AI

    Class, Barbara; De la Higuera, Colin (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    This contribution presents two perspectives: one based on AI expertise and the other on the importance of knowledge as human knowledge. The later focuses on the purpose of education by revisiting Alexander von Humboldt’s concept of Bildung as the main purpose of education. Resisting the shifting to radically pragmatic models of education, without Bildung, in recent decades, in the Global North which develops a system of disposable education that focuses on training a workforce for the market. Concerned by the production of disposable knowledge and assessments, with the sole goal of achieving good grades and securing employment, we see Generative AI, as mirroring this functionalist and economist vision of society, revealing strongly the limits of this paradigm. This article first explains how automatic learning, the foundation of generative AI, works. Second, we shall discuss human deep learning, as opposed to surface learning showing how it is required to develop as a person in the Bildung perspective. Third, we highlight this first intuition that AI reveals the functioning of our societies and move beyond, with an art of questioning in philosophy.
  • Techno-solutionism a Fact or Farce? A Critical Assessment of GenAI in Open and Distance Education

    Olojede, Helen Titilola (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    Techno-solutionism (Ts) amplifies academic integrity issues endemic to using Generative AI in Open and Distance education (ODE). It (Ts) induces in Higher education (HE) the disposition that technology can and should be employed in every aspect of teaching, learning, and assessment. The prevalence of Ts in ODE and the consequence of undermining academic integrity is found in the surge in published papers. A 2023 study by Nature of over 1600 scientists reports that nearly 30% use GenAI to write papers, and 5% use it in grant applications. A 2024 Originality.ai report on 13,000 analysed papers on arXiv indicates a sudden increase of 200.42%, 44.68% and 22.04%, respectively, in Computer Science, Physics and Mathematics in papers published in Jan. 2019 and those published in Nov. 2023. Apr. 2024 paper on arXiv notes Computer Science to be the most prolific in LLM usage with up to 17.5% increase. The problem this study addresses is balancing the challenges and opportunities of GenAI in ODE. Is there a limit to AI use in ODE? How can we upsurge academic integrity in the age of AI? How might we rethink the culture of publish or perish in the age of AI? Adopting the scoping review methodology and discourse analysis, this paper analyses the gains and pains of AI in ODE. Leveraging the critical theory of technology, it recommends clear green and red lines on using AI in teaching, research, and assessment.
  • Book Review of Michael Heumann, Contemporary Criticism of Growth from a Philosophy of Economics Perspective

    Wagner, Dietrich (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    This is a book review of Dr. Michael Heumann, Contemporary Criticism of Growth from a Philosophy of Economics Perspective: Reconstructing economic growth dynamics as the self-perpetuation of decoupled Cartesian thought (German title: Zeitgenössische Wachstumskritik aus wirtschaftsphilosophischer Perspektive: Zur Rekonstruktion der Wachstumsdynamik als Verselbständigung cartesischen Denkens), Gloethics Theses Series No. 42, Geneva: Globethics Publications. https://doi.org/10.58863/20.500.12424/4296664
  • Using Simulation-Based Assessment for Event Management Students

    Wilson, Olivia; Hargarter, Antje; Van Rensburg, Bianca (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    This research project explores the effectiveness of simulation-based assessments (SBAs) as an alternative to practical assessments for event management (EM) students, considering the 2020 global pandemic's impact on higher education. SBAs mimic real-world scenarios, enabling innovative and authentic ways for assessors to determine how well candidates can put their knowledge, skills, and talents to use. For example, they give students an opportunity to instil and reinforce ethical principles and values essential for success in the workplace. The study aims to investigate the relationship between SBAs and graduate attributes, via a qualitative approach, to investigate and analyse students' lived experiences. Ten final-year EM students were selected purposively, with inclusion criteria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an original set of selected questions, and thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The study's findings suggest that if used correctly, SBAs can be an effective tool for developing students' graduate attributes, preparing them for employment. The article concludes on how to maximise the value of SBAs in preparing students for the workforce, especially when practical assessments are not feasible
  • L’éthique de l’éducation

    Gandolfi, Stefania (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    Depuis quelques années, face à la différenciation de la société en multiples institutions, associations, organisations, l'éthique trouve des applications dans des champs très diversifiées (éthique des affaires, bioéthique, éthique professionnelle, etc.) Ce scénario appelle tous les acteurs à la responsabilité d’intégrer leur identité et leurs actions sur des objectifs et des valeurs communs pour éviter la parcellisation et la fragmentation de l’éthique. De fait « l’éthique exige que l’intégration obéisse à certaines conditions d’intégrité, de complétude, de valeur humaine, d’idée de bonne vie, d’orientation vers un objectif » (Villet, 2000, p. 238-9). Des formes communicatives d’intégration reposent sur une compréhension réciproque, et sur des accords vers des normes et une responsabilité commune, non l’addition des individualités. L'éthique est donc intrinsèque à l'entreprise éducative ; parler d'éthique de l'éducation et non d'éthique appliquée à l’éducation s’explique parce que l'éthique n’est pas un domaine extérieur mais sous-tend et anime l'éducation. Une éthique de l’éducation qui, à partir de la personne, se conçoit dans une relation d’échange incluant le ‘tiers’, fonde les relations éducatives sur une éthique de la conviction, sur des dynamiques personnelles et sociales pour constituer une éthique partagée.
  • Navigating the AI Frontier: Legal, Ethical, and Societal Considerations for Artificial Personhood

    Khanfir, Mondher; Karray , Sana (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    The rapid digital transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping innovation and operational efficiency across industries. As autonomous AI systems are becoming prevalent, they significantly influence traditional business models, societal norms, and legal frameworks. AI technologies are evolving beyond mere tools to become independent economic agents capable of generating assets, making decisions, commercializing products and services, and being accountable for their actions. This evolution requires a reassessment of traditional concepts of corporate and moral personhood, particularly as AI-driven businesses need to operate inside conventional legal frameworks. This paper explores the rise of entirely AI-driven entities with fully autonomous decision-making processes, advocating for the legal status of artificial personhood. It underscores the need for an ethical and regulatory framework to ensure these entities will proliferate and operate for human progress with integrity and responsibility.
  • Chatting or Cheating – Test of a First-Rate Intelligence?

    Wilson, Olivia; Olivier , Corna; Morkel, Jolanda (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    The emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs) has significantly influenced the landscape of Higher Education, with their adoption by students and educators escalating rapidly since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT in November 2022. By means of a rapid literature review the authors examined the current state of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools and their application in diverse learning and teaching settings within Higher Education. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, including peer-reviewed academic literature, conference calls, and insights from social media discussions. This investigation culminated in the development of the ENIGMA framework, comprising six key activities, namely Engage, Navigate, Individualise, Guide, Moderate, and Adapt. The study underscores the necessity for further research into the seamless integration of AI technologies by educators and students in educational settings.
  • The Impact of the Professor’s Ethical Leadership on the Students’ Deviant Behaviors

    Alaoui, Lalla Amina; Lissaneddine, Zakariae; Laaroussi , Ouiame; Laaroussi, Amale (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    Over the past two decades, the organizational world has shown a particular interest in ethics. The majority of studies and research on the subject of ethics have been conducted within the framework of organizations, considered as a conventional environment; a few studies have, on the contrary, adopted a research framework in a unconventional context. This is the case with our current research on ethics in the academic and university environment in the context of Moroccan universities. As we shall demonstrate influence of the leader, or leadership can lead an individual to engage in deviant behavior as the ethical climate, which also serve as a reference for the behaviors to be adopted.
  • The Impact of Society 5.0 on Curriculum Development in Higher Education

    De Villiers, Carina (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    This article explores the concept of Society 5.0, originating from Japan, which envisions a future where the physical and virtual worlds merge to create a more sustainable and inclusive society. Building upon previous societal stages, Society 5.0 leverages advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to address social challenges while prioritising human welfare. The article delves into the objectives of Society 5.0 and the need for a human-centered approach, accompanied by significant challenges and the imperative for educational reform. Reshaping curriculum development in higher education by emphasising technological literacy, interdisciplinary approaches, ethics and social implications, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning are changes aiming to prepare students to the rapid technological advancements in the society.
  • Student Voices: Challenges and Preferences with Technology-enabled Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

    Singh , Divya (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    The adaptation of the curriculum to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and human ethical values necessitates a careful, deliberate approach. A technological transition, pivotal for the future of education, is fraught with challenges but also with real chances for better human self-understanding. To appropriately understand the complexities and significance of this digital shift, Stadio Higher Education conducted a survey (STADIO SV Survey) to capture the voices of students on technology relevant to their social, learning, and teaching environments. After consolidating fundamental points as the methodology and the reliability of the survey, we proposed a descriptive analysis and a substantial study of the findings provided. Literature review and discussion of such important concepts as: choice of the technology, the nature of access, the computing skills needed, communication, contact and successful engagement permit, in a nutshell, the articulation of some very useful closing recommendations.
  • Ethics Concerns in the Use of Computer-Generated Images for Human Communication

    Simões, José Manuel; Caldeira , Wilson (Globethics Publications, 2024-07-19)
    The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has contributed to various image-generation techniques. These tools have had a significant effect on how we perceive contemporary communication. This study presents a broad overview of the challenges and consequences associated with the influence of AI on communication, and its findings are supported by thoughts collected from various books and academic publications. Nevertheless, incorporating AI into communication through synthetic imagery raises concerns about communication that require careful consideration. This study investigates various ethical concerns and the significance of ethical guidelines and responsible practices in creating these applications. It intricately weaves together philosophical reflections, ethical deliberations, and societal responsibilities, shedding light on the complex interplay between ethics, technology, and human values within the context of machine development and broader societal realms.
  • Book Review: P. Öhlmann and J. Stork (Eds.), Religious Communities and Ecological Sustainability in Southern Africa and Beyond

    Motswapong, Elizabeth P. (Globethics Publications, 2023-12-22)
    This is a book review of Philipp Öhlmann & Juliane Stork (Eds.), Religious Communities and Ecological Sustainability in Southern Africa and Beyond, Globethics Sustainability Series No. 1, Geneva: Globethics Publications, 2024, ISBN 978-2-88931-548-2. Following the great importance of the Southern African region for the debates on Sustainability and Climate change, the proposed book tackles many of the issues around the topic. Extracted from the 2020 expert consultations Religious Communities and Ecological Sustainability in Southern Africa (RCSD Berlin) and Water, Environment and Climate Action (WECARE), from one side, and the conference Churches in Southern Africa as Civil Society Actors for Ecological Sustainability (University of Pretoria), the volume presents a plethora of articles and contributions offering an extensive dive on issues such as the role of local churches and congregations in sustainable development, resources for scholars to analyze the best practice cases, inquiries on the future of the region, and more.
  • Time for Education

    Globethics (Globethics Publications, 2023)
    Issue 3(2023) of the Journal of Ethics in Higher Education is a collection of twelve articles in three parts: first, thematic papers related to the title of the Issue “Time for Education”; second, a non-thematic section, and third, book reviews. In the first part, the Issue explores various aspects of time in education, philosophy, and ethical implications. It delves into philosophical inquiries about time, discussing McTaggart's paradox and its roots. Byung-Chul Han's views on temporal experiences in modernity are highlighted, examining the impact on thinking and learning. Wilhelm von Humboldt's influence on education and the relevance of ethics in educational transformation are also explored, as time is translated into a transformative and human capacity. In this first part, the role of a philosophy of time is emphasised in understanding paradoxes and guiding educational transformations. The key role of our perception of the future and the role of a humanistic education focusing on the most vulnerable persons are explored. Additionally, the papers discuss the transformative power of education as poetic engagement with short aphoristic reflections pointing out the possibility of an ethical evolution in time. In the second, non-thematic part, two articles analyse the use of AI in higher education and the challenges of AI on academic integrity. A third contribution puts the focus on the context of gender in education, and highlights challenges in the DR Congo regarding the vulnerability of women due to cultural norms. One article is a case study of ethical education in Yezreel Valley College (Israel). In the final section, the first book review looks at the African context: religious communities and sustainable environmental engagements in the Southern African context. The second review is global in scope, highlighting the findings of the 30 Years Report on practical ethics by The Business Ethics Center of Corvinus University, Budapest (Hungary).
  • Éducation et genre en RD Congo

    Njojo, Kahwa (Globethics Publications, 2023-12-22)
    L’auteur de Représentations et normes liées à la masculinité : Construction d’un concept hier et aujourd’hui. Pour une masculinité positive dans une perspective biblique, Genève : Globethics, 2023, 327p. ISBN : 978-2-88931-511-6 présente ici le problème à la fois plus large et plus étroit des défis de l’éducation dans le contexte du genre. Ce défi éducatif est plus étroit car par éducation on entend un bagage d’expériences de formation, une sorte d’émulation scolaire précise, celle enseignée par le maître d’école, et on ne fait pas référence, par exemple, aux traditions et aux mœurs transmises au sein de la famille, ni à l’édification et à l’élévation de l’âme associées à l’expérience religieuse. L’éducation et le contexte du genre peuvent aussi ouvrir un horizon plus large que la question du genre masculin, traité dans l’essai de l’auteur ; cet horizon ne reste pas moins un défi. Tandis que les « lois sont soit inconnues soit quotidiennement violées en faveur du respect des normes établies par la culture. » On assiste en RD Congo à l’augmentation de la vulnérabilité des femmes, processus initié en grande partie dans le milieu scolaire.
  • McTaggart’s Paradox and Philosophy of Time

    Tauler, Sergi (Globethics Publications, 2023-12-22)
    Asking “What is time?” can be both a simple and a profound question. In this article we intend to introduce the reader to the philosophy of time. To do so, we will deal with McTaggart's paradox. By explaining it and introducing the basic concepts to understand it, we will be able to get an idea of what this branch of philosophy is all about. The main intention of this article is not to explain anything new but to clarify the background of a debate by explaining its roots. By taking a deep dive into the concept of time, we will see that it is not a simple concept at all. In any subsequent possible definition with regards to concepts such time for education or time for ethics, a logical clarification of what time is important and will color all further predication of the concept of time. Considering the impact of digital transformation in our lives in general, and in education in particular, a philosophy of time brings major elements such as paradoxes, which are not of practical character but important for the semantic of the words, such as “duration”, “temporal position” of events, etc.
  • Les temps futurs de l’éducation

    Gandolfi, Stefania (Globethics Publications, 2023-12-22)
    Cet article se focalise sur un aspect précis du concept de temps dans l’éducation, sur les priorités que les temps futurs de l’éducation doivent choisir comme les directions les plus pertinentes pour nos sociétés. Les temps structurent et accompagnent la vie de chacun, marquent le passage entre les générations et deviennent un indicateur du développement des sociétés. Le rôle de la réflexion sur l’éducation est de s’atteler aux problématiques qui se dessinent à chaque période, et lui sont liées en termes d’époque spécifique. Ceci implique d’ouvrir les frontières de la recherche vers des objets toujours vus comme nouveaux, au moins en partie, et d’envisager des opportunités et des défis importants et urgents, en ce que par leur condition de nouveauté, ces éléments inattendus sont susceptibles de former un projet tourné vers l’avenir.  Au cours de cette réflection, nous proposons d’imaginer des futurs dans lesquels la résilience aux changements profonds et aux mutations complexes est présente. Celle-ci implique d’engager une réflexion sur l’avenir des connaissances et des valeurs qui sont plus importantes et urgents pour les savoirs et pour les sociétés.
  • Book Review: E. Öhlmann and J. Stork (Eds.), Religious Communities and Ecological Sustainability in Southern Africa and Beyond

    Motswapong, Elizabeth P. (Globethics Publications, 2023-12-22)
    This is a book review of Philipp Öhlmann & Juliane Stork (Eds.), Religious Communities and Ecological Sustainability in Southern Africa and Beyond, Globethics Sustainability Series No. 1, Geneva: Globethics Publications, 2024, ISBN 978-2-88931-548-2. Following the great importance of the Southern African region for the debates on Sustainability and Climate change, the proposed book tackles many of the issues around the topic. Extracted from the 2020 expert consultations Religious Communities and Ecological Sustainability in Southern Africa (RCSD Berlin) and Water, Environment and Climate Action (WECARE), from one side, and the conference Churches in Southern Africa as Civil Society Actors for Ecological Sustainability (University of Pretoria), the volume presents a plethora of articles and contributions offering an extensive dive on issues such as the role of local churches and congregations in sustainable development, resources for scholars to analyze the best practice cases, inquiries on the future of the region, and more.
  • Ethics as a Way of Life: A Case Study at Yezreel Valley College

    Rispler, Clara; Yakov, Gila (Globethics Publications, 2023-12-22)
    The dynamic landscape of ethics in higher education is pivotal as organizations and individuals navigate diverse stakeholder needs. Ethical responsibility becomes an integral facet of all professionals, highlighting the crucial role of ethical education in preparing students for post-graduation success. The acquisition of ethical competence, rooted in knowledge of ethical principles, equips students with the tools to make ethical decisions, shaping their ethical behavior and responses. Yezreel Valley College exemplifies this commitment, with a well-defined Code of Academic Ethics reflecting universal values and principles, overseen by the College Ethics Committee. In summary, this case study offers insights into Yezreel Valley College's ethical education practices, emphasizing the significance of ethics in higher education and the dynamic interplay between ethics and professionalism. The college's proactive approach positions it as a leader in addressing ethical challenges and adapting to changing environments while fostering ethical competence in its students.
  • The Sandglass as Allegory for Ethical Evolution: A Dialogue

    Békefi, Lajos; Haaz, Ignace (Globethics Publications, 2023-12-22)
    As a child we all admired the sparkling desert crystal sand grains of the sandglass, and while they slowly, silently rolled down, occasionally, we started dreaming, after having turned it very carefully, watching the grains taking different directions, as the sand was suddenly starting to dance! While the sunlight reflected on the even flow of crystal grains, imagination soared far, into the actual deserts, desert ships, camels, into the fantasy worlds… It was good to dream, freely, realistically, or with a free imagination. As in the sandglass time moments are overlapping, never simply a passing of time as bidirectional succession of points. The duration of the present suggests a radical experience of the hic et Nunc. The sandglass gives us also about five minutes to figure out the right order of our experience. It is both short as an aphorism, both long enough to captures some real perfection and harmony in the world. In our dialogue we tried to crystallize a few central ethical notions, such as an ethical evolution in time, captured by the allegory of the sandglass, which opens not only the imagination but also challenges the decision-maker: “Now quick, take the right decision, I give you five minutes!”    
  • Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: An Analytical Assessment

    Bellomo, Santiago Tomás (Globethics Publications, 2023-12-22)
    This article proposes a model of analysis to guide factual comprehension and normative positioning around the use of AI in higher education. We will analyse the four most impactful options of use of AI in the higher education sector considering the current development of this technology. These are: the co-construction of knowledge, the use of AI for tutoring or mentoring, the rise of adaptive platforms and predictive capabilities. We will propose an exercise of analytical reflection for each use, appealing to some of the dimensions of the proposed model to guide their use. The result is intended to be fruitful, insofar as it warns against the risk of biasing the analysis by losing sight of the deeper implications and commitments required to discern the use of AI.

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