How did the American civil rights movement help revive applied ethics in the 1960s?

During the first six decades of the 20th century, moral philosophers largely neglected applied ethics, often viewing moral philosophy as distinct from the task of "moralizing," which was considered the domain of preachers.12

The American civil rights movement helped revive applied ethics in the 1960s by challenging this separation. As the movement gained momentum, it drew philosophers into rigorous discussions regarding practical ethical issues, specifically those concerning equality, justice, and civil disobedience. This shift demonstrated that moral philosophers could make effective, non-preachy contributions to urgent societal debates.12

Following this development, the Vietnam War and the rise of student political activism further solidified the importance of applied ethics. These events encouraged philosophers to apply normative ethical theories to real-world problems, leading to the integration of applied ethics into university curricula globally. This period marked a significant transition where the field moved away from its previous detachment, recognizing that addressing the ethical dimensions of social justice and human rights is a vital function of philosophical inquiry.123