How do norms enter the social world?
In Norms as Expertise: A Neo-Aristotelian Interpretation of Social
Normativity Professor of Philosophy Charlotte Witt develops the idea that we can look to artisanal expertise and
technique (or Afunctions) as a model for answering the question.
Just as a cook ought to weigh ingredients and a carpenter ought to use a level,
so, too, a Professor ought to grade fairly and a President ought to protect and
defend the Constitution. Her central claim is that these “ought tos” stem
from the individual’s social position (as a cook, Professor or President)
rather than, as many contemporary ethical theorists think, from the
individual’s endorsement, self-legislation or preference for the norm.
The Afunction interpretation of social norms sheds new light on the normative
dimension of social structures, and the way in which they impinge, shape and
enable our social activity.
_____________________________________________________________________________
The Center for the Humanities
annually hosts a series of informal lectures featuring the recipients of the
previous year’s faculty fellowships. The talks focus on the fellows’ research.
They provide an opportunity for faculty members to learn more about each
other’s work and allow the Center to show off some of the intellectual riches
it has helped foster. The goal of the series is to create a collegial
environment that encourages discussion.