Towards the ethics of research as an epistemic space. A chance to innovate in its institutional forms

Abstract

Debate on research ethics has gained increased interest in recent years in anthropology. Over the last few decades, this concern has been institutionally shaped by two main mechanisms: codes and committees of ethics which have been criticized for making ethics a legalistic domain. In this context, and taking into account the emerging debate developed in Spain, this article suggests viewing research ethics as an epistemic space whose main objective is to explore the legitimate modes of knowledge production. Research ethics should be oriented towards unveiling certain values and how they should be preserved in the research practice. This shift offers some opportunities to innovate the institutional forms of research ethics.