Identity and Objectives
The Institute for Applied Philosophy (IsFA), created by the Theology Faculty of the University of Lugano (FTL), in conformity with Art. 5 (2) of its statutes, is an institution which is accredited by the Swiss University Conference. Its goal is to promote the study of applied philosophy—as much in ontology—applied ontology—as in ethics—applied ethics—as in aesthetics—applied aesthetics.

Scientific and educational mission
The Institute fulfills its mission in two ways: scientific research and education. At the scientific level, it promotes research and publications, holds seminars and conferences, offers scholarships and prizes, all in its fields. Its research has an inter-disciplinary character and involves scholars and experts from different fields, with different areas of expertise.
At the educational level, the Institute offers and administers its Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, through the Theology Faculty.

Inter-university collaboration
The Institute collaborates with other accredited institutions in Switzerland and abroad in fulfilling both its research and teaching objectives. It actively collaborates with the Education Faculty (Facoltà di Scienze della formazione) of the Università Cattolica of Milan, with the Communications Faculty (Facoltà di scienze della comunicazione) of the University of the italian part of Switzerland (USI) and with the Economic Faculty (Facoltà di scienze economiche) also of USI. As regards to research, the Institute has been an active participant in Ethicbots—international interdisciplinary research on the ethics of robotics and of new technologies, supported by UE and involving several universities in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Great Britain.
Besides, it started the agreement of collaboration from the academic year 2007/2008 between the Museo delle Culture of Lugano, the Institute for applied Philosophy and the Franklin College of Sorengo, which have concluded a consent of collaboration for research and teaching at academic level in the field of anthropological disciplines. During the academic year 2011-12 it is forseen the involvment of the Institute in new researches financed by the Swiss National Fund for Researches.

Organization
The Institute has its own statute and is funded autonomously.
Director: Prof. Dr. Giovanni Ventimiglia; Secretary Elena Ricciardi.