Aristotelian ethics and modern professional interpreting

When codes of ethics for interpreters identify what a good interpreter should do, this often implies a dual understanding of the term ‘good’. In one sense, good involves the question of usefulness. In a second sense, good has something to do with the concept of morality. On the basis of Aristotelian ethics, I discuss the element of unity between these two concepts, trying to show that neither of them should be abandoned. Together with the modern concepts of power and trust, Aristotelian ethics provides us with analytical tools to guide us in our everyday struggle as professionals.

Published online: 16 May 2007
https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.70.26ker