Table 2

Checks for hermeneutic/analytical role of ethics consultants

How does the ethics consultant contribute to…	Hermeneutic role	Analytical role
Identification of ethical problems?	By understanding and representing views of and to others By assisting in clarification of participants’ individual views By creating shared understanding	By gathering of relevant data By clarification of concepts By identifying needs for consultation By distinguishing ethical problems from other dimensions
Analysis of ethical problems?	By enabling parties to communicate By attending to communicational barriers By keeping distance from content	By articulation of overlooked aspects By resisting on errors By referring to/relying on norms By educating parties
Solution of ethical problems?	By facilitating of consensus building By facilitating of acceptable shared commitments	By offering suggestions to improve By ensuring that options conform with existing ethical knowledge By taking and defending own moral perspective