EthicsLab
Projects
The Good Life Discussions
The EthicsLab currently organizes and hosts regular 'Good Life Discussions.' This initiative involves local, community-based forums on what it means to be human and live well. Past events have featured engaging guest introductions from experts working on some aspect of the good life from a broadly humanistic perspective. Discussions have focused on topics happiness, meaningful activity, creativity and art, technology and community, ritual, and ethics. In 2026, the 'Good Life Discussions' have shifted to the CWU campus to focus on regular student-led discussions focused on the good life.
For more information and details about upcoming events, please see our Events page or follow the CWU EthicsLab Facebook page.
The Human Library Ellensburg
Did you know that not all libraries have books? The EthicsLab regularly hosts a Human Library event at the Hal Holmes Community Center (201 Ruby St, Ellensburg, WA 98926).
The Human Library is a nonprofit organization that hosts conversations designed to challenge stigma and stereotypes. These events create “a safe space for dialogue where topics are discussed openly” and “where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered.” Human Library events have been organized in 85 countries worldwide since 2000.
Stop by to borrow an open Book for a conversation about topics like mental health, disability, ethnicity, gender, ideology, occupation, and race. The concept is simple: you show up at the check-in counter, where you receive guidance from librarians on the topics that we have available for lending. Once you have chosen your Book, sit down and have an open conversation where your questions on the topic are welcome.
The Ellensburg Human Library is a joint collaboration between the CWU EthicsLab, Ellensburg Librarty, and Hal Holmes Community Center. If you have questions, please contact: David.Schwan@cwu.edu or ethicslab@cwu.edu
For more information and details about upcoming Human Library, please follow the CWU EthicsLab Facebook page.
The Incubator @ EthicsLab
The EthicsLab partners with regional organizations to serve as a venue for knowledge sharing and an ‘incubator’ for collaborative research and practical solutions.
In Winter and Spring 2022, the EthicsLab recruited and hosted volunteers for a study on moral decision-making in virtual reality being run by the Virginia Philosophy Reality Lab.
We have also designed and won grant support for an Engaged Ethics Competition which tasks local teams of high school and university students with doing as much good in the community as possible.
CWU News
CWU Disability Services aims to provide equitable access to education
February 23, 2026 by Rune Torgersen
CWU faculty member awarded Fulbright post-doctoral scholarship
February 23, 2026 by David Leder