Ethical Authority

Ethical authority refers to the recognized right to guide or judge what is right and wrong within a community or organization. It stems from expertise, moral standing, or the trust placed in individuals or institutions. For example, a ethics committee or a professional code of conduct grants ethical authority by establishing standards that others follow. This authority ensures decisions align with shared values, fostering fairness and integrity. It is not about power, but about having a credible basis to influence others’ moral choices, helping maintain social trust and accountability.