What Ethics Can Learn From ExperimentalEconomics – If Anything

Relying on the specific example of ultimatum bargaining experiments this paperexplores the possible role of empirical knowledge of behavioural “norm(ative)facts” within the search for (W)RE – (Wide) Reflective Equilibria on normativeissues. Assuming that “pro-social” behaviour “reveals” moral orientations, it isargued that these “norm-facts” can and should be used along with statedpreferences in justificatory arguments of normative ethics and economics of the“means to given ends” variety. At the same time behavioural norm-facts are soheterogeneous that any hopes to reach an inter-personally agreed (W)RE inmatters moral seem futile.