Practical principles tested in surprisingly different situations across five continents
A Framework for Universal Ethics
68 Known Applications Around the World
The Flame Framework
In 1997, an article was published on the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Applied Ethics website, proposing the possibility of a Framework for Universal Principles of Ethics.
Inherently imperfect, that framework of 18 (now 19) adaptable principles has been used by governments, corporations, law enforcement and judiciaries, hospitals, post-secondary institutions and professional associations across North America as well as in Africa, Asia, Europe, Russia and the Middle East.
This framework’s validity relies on your feedback, so please tell us about your experience adapting the Framework to your needs.
After 25 years of testing and with only one change ever suggested, the Framework is no longer as changeable as it once was. However, suggestions on how to improve it are always welcome. We are also interested to know if your organization is the first on record where the overall Framework was not a relevant and useful guide.
Before you use the Framework …
You can read read and download educational materials at no cost – but you need our permission to include the Framework in any publication, presentation or educational program. We need just a few words of explanation to grant permission. Contact us
Once you have permission, you can use any of the free resources on this site with students, colleagues or other audiences – as long as you acknowledge the source.
In-depth generic course templates may also be available on request, and these can be tailored (for a fee) to suit specific organizations, sectors, or regulatory requirements.