The aim of this paper is to critically evaluate the thesis that ethics coun
selors constitute a new priesthood in the pejorative sense of this term. In
defense of the thesis, an account is given of the diverse variety of funda
mental ideas about ethics or morality. The underlying argument is simply th
at there is such a diversity of opinion about so many fundamental issues th
at most ethical appraisals, especially in committees, are probably very sha
llow and barely warranted. Following this negative work, an attempt is made
to try to find some positive benefits from the work of ethics counselors.
Some potential benefits are identified, but there is a need for empirical r
esearch in order to construct a more persuasive case for such work. In the
penultimate section of the paper I addressed some of my own second thoughts
about the discussion and some provocative suggestions that friends gave me
about earlier drafts.