New Publication: “Frames of Ethics – A Systematic Scoping Review of Graphic Novels in Ethics Education”
A new article co-authored by Fifianne H.W. Rigter, Federico Germani, Nikola Biller-Andorno, and Giovanni Spitale has been published in the International Journal of Ethics Education. The study provides the first systematic scoping review of how graphic novels, comics, and manga are used to teach ethics across disciplines such as medicine, public health, business, law, and social sciences.
The review maps 26 studies published between 2008 and 2024, identifying key applications of visual storytelling in ethics education. The findings show that graphic novels consistently support ethical reflection, critical thinking, and reasoning, while making complex dilemmas more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Despite these strengths, the authors note gaps in the use of interactive elements and feedback mechanisms, suggesting directions for future research and pedagogical development.
This work is part of the SNSF AGORA project “Pandemics and Bioethics: Co-designing a Graphic Novel”, which explores innovative ways to communicate and teach ethical concepts—particularly to younger audiences whose voices were underrepresented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The full article is openly accessible.
For more information about the AGORA project or IBME’s research on ethics education, see: The Outbreak.