The possibility of ethical expertise

Area of Science:

• Philosophy
• Ethics
• Expertise Studies

Background:

• The legitimacy of 'ethics experts' is debated in philosophy and medical ethics.
• Existing literature lacks a clear definition of expertise in general and its application to ethics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the concept of expertise in general.
• To apply this analysis to define and legitimize the notion of ethical expertise.
• To outline the social roles of ethics experts.

Main Methods:

• Review of a prior analysis of expertise.
• Distinction between 'epistemic' (knowledge-based) and 'performative' (action-based) expertise.
• Application of these categories to the domain of ethics.

Main Results:

• Two primary types of expertise identified: epistemic and performative.
• Ethical expertise is categorized into three epistemic senses: descriptive, metaethics, and normative ethics.
• A performative sense of ethical expertise, 'expertise in living a good life,' is also identified.

Conclusions:

• The concept of ethical expertise is legitimate and can be understood through epistemic and performative lenses.
• Specific types of ethical expertise are defined, including knowledge in descriptive, metaethical, and normative ethics, as well as practical wisdom in living well.
• The social functions and roles of ethics experts are briefly discussed.