Ethically Speaking
Ethically Speaking: Ethics in Public Life is the annual lecture series of The Center for Practical Ethics. Each year, a distinguished public thinker engages the community—students, faculty, staff, and the public—in a conversation about ethics as it shapes civic affairs, public life, professional responsibility, policy, and global issues. These lectures explore broad, foundational ethical concerns that crosscut multiple disciplines and impact society as a whole. The series encourages thoughtful reflection, civil discourse, and a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions that influence our shared world.
Ethically Speaking 2026
Guest Speaker: Barry Lam, Professor of Philosophy at University of California Riverside
Event Overview:
5 p.m. | Wine and Cheese Reception
6 p.m. | Presentation and Q&A
7 p.m. | Event Concludes
April 9, 2026 | Bryant Hall Gallery | The University of Mississippi
In his book, Fewer Rules Better People, Barry Lam proposes that the proliferation of rules and mandates is making us dumber, less moral, more deceptive, and less able to govern important institutions. He asks us to reframe our understanding of justice and ethics, arguing that while use of discretion—whether by a sports referee, a parent, a police officer, or a judge—can never be perfect, removing it has even more problematic effects. Mandatory arrests and sentencing laws have not eliminated bias, but have corrupted the courtroom, institutionalized lying, and brought about even more unjust and arbitrary results. Join us April 9 to hear and question Dr. Lam on his bold proposal!
Watch:
Ethically Speaking 2025
In 2025, we were honored to host philosopher Brandon Warmke, who spoke on his 2020 book, Grandstanding: The Use and Abuse of Moral Talk.