The Institute of Social Ethics ISE undertakes research and teaching in social ethics aiming to contribute to innovative knowledge-based foundations for a world where human dignity and freedom are respected, and the planet is flourishing. This research and teaching include scientific reflection on the ethical dimension of social contexts, challenges, and issues. Institutions, structures, and systems are the focal point.

Within the framework of research and teaching, the ISE strives for research excellence and inspiring teaching and relies on a variety of methods as well as interdisciplinarity and takes the plurality of ethics into account.

On this scientific basis, the ISE is a dialogue partner for politics, business, civil society, and the media on a local, regional, national, and international level.