Frequently Asked
Questions

Who can take classes at the Global Ethic Institute?

In general, our courses are open to all students interested, including external auditors.

Students from the University of Tübingen and other institutions can earn ECTS credits through our courses. We have agreements with some faculties ensuring that course work is recognized. If your faculty has not yet entered into an agreement with us regarding the recognition of course work, please feel free to contact us. We will assist in ensuring that the course work you complete with us is also recognized by your faculty.

What exactly is the Global Ethic?

To build a better world, we need a common foundation: values, norms, and attitudes on which we all agree. Only then can we engage in dialogue and shape the world together. The good news is: these values already exist.

As early as the 1980s, theologian Hans Küng observed that all religions, cultures, and philosophies already share fundamental values and moral principles:

The principles of humanity and reciprocity (the Golden Rule), as well as the values of nonviolence, justice, truthfulness, equality & partnership, and ecological responsibility.

These principles and values are documented in the Declaration on the Global Ethos of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. It was drafted under the leadership of Hans Küng and adopted in Chicago in 1993 by hundreds of religious representatives. With their support, representatives of all world religions agreed for the first time on the core elements of a shared ethos. The Declaration on the Global Ethos is addressed to both religious and non-religious people and forms the basis of our work.

Is the Global Ethic Project a religious project?

No, the Global Ethic Project is an ethical initiative that can and should be supported by both religious and non-religious people. The aim is for diverse individuals and institutions to find a common set of values that will enable them to maintain dialogue with one another and overcome global challenges.

What is the difference between the Global Ethic Institute and the Global Ethic Foundation?

The Global Ethic Foundation was established in 1995 by Hans Küng with financial support from Count Groeben. Its primary focus is on the Global Ethic initiative in the areas of interreligious, intercultural, and educational work with regard to schools. Its target audiences are primarily younger students from various institutions as well as religious actors.

The Global Ethic Institute, on the other hand, addresses secular issues and seeks to advance the concept of the global ethic in the fields of business, science, and society. It has operated as an affiliated institute of the foundation since 2012 under the foundation’s umbrella, but as part of the university, it serves different target groups—primarily older students, researchers, people in businesses and organizations, and civil society.

How can I implement the concept of a global ethic in my company and put it into practice?

First and foremost, the Global Ethic is a project that invites everyone to reflect on and apply its principles in their daily lives. No prior training is required; rather, it calls for curiosity, openness, and a desire to align one’s actions more closely with ethical values. On this foundation, the Global Ethic can become a driving force for innovative and sustainable processes of change.

We offer a variety of programs for people that combine theory and practice in a way that provides valuable insights for both their professional and personal lives. We place great importance on ensuring that our educational offerings provide you with both scholarly insights and practical knowledge. In this way, we aim to strengthen your ability to think and act ethically together.

Who was Hans Küng?

Hans Küng was the initiator of the Global Ethic project and founded the Global Ethic Foundation in 1995. Küng was a Catholic theologian and a priest, a globally recognized thought leader on fundamental questions of the Christian faith as well as on issues of church reform, Christian ecumenism, and interfaith dialogue. He also touched upon topics of world politics and world economy. His numerous publications—including 73 monographs alone—have been translated into all major world languages.

Who founded the Global Ethic Institute, and why?

The Global Ethic Institute was founded in 2012 by the Global Ethic Foundation, the University of Tübingen, and the Karl Schlecht Foundation. Its goal has always been to strengthen the ability to articulate and act ethically by integrating academic research and teaching with business practice, based on the values of the Global Ethic.