COMMUNICATION ETHICS
A Critical Dimension of Good Communication
• “Good” Communication is Necessarily Ethical Communication
Because communication is unavoidable . . .
oOne cannot not communicate
Because communication is irrevocable . . .
oA message can’t be reeled back in like a fishing line
Because communication is consequential . . .
oOthers will respond with thoughts, feelings, and/or actions
Therefore, “good” communication is not only communicating well (or competently), but
also communicating ethically (or morally)
• Nature of Ethical and Moral Communication – Definitions, Distinctions, and Dialectics
Definitions – ethicality and morality
oEthics and ethicality
From ethos (Greek) – nature or disposition
Beneficial or harmful antecedent causes and influences described as qualities of
human character (who a person is)
oMorals and morality
From mores (Latin) – customary practices or behaviors
Beneficial or harmful subsequent outcomes and effects described as consequences
of human conduct (what a person says and does)
Distinctions – ethicality and legality
oInefficacy of legal constraint – inadequate substitute for ethical character:
Legal Constraint Ethical Character
Externally imposed codes Internally rooted convictions
that command and require that convince and inspire
Impotent unless enforced Potent without enforcement
with only short-lived effects with enduring effects
Static and inflexible rules Dynamic and flexible principles
that mandate and prohibit that guide and direct
Demands rote behavioral Enables wise situational
compliance discernment
oEfficacy of ethical character – with or without legal constraint
Constraining moral anchor – supplies securing resistance to insidious winds,
waves, and tides of creeping moral drift
Compelling moral compass – supplies clarifying guidance to navigate foggy,
uncharted waters of confusing moral ambiguity
Propelling moral engine – supplies energizing motivation to surge forward against
strong currents of pressured moral compromise
Dialectics of ethical and moral communication
oCommunication dialectics – responsibilities that are best practiced in a state of
tension (like a rubber band), helping to avoid destructive forms of "extreme" speech
(Terrorism, Protest)
oThe dialectic of conveying messages to others:
Sincere truthfulness – transparently conveying the whole truth with honest,
passionate conviction
Caring respect – rendering to others the same concern and dignity you would
hope to receive from them
oThe dialectic of responding to messages from others:
Thoughtful evaluation – critically pondering and scrutinizing to make discerning
judgments
Humble teachability – being an open-minded learner because no one knows
everything about anything
• Perspectives on Ethical and Moral Communication
Three dimensions of ethical and moral communication – ends, means, and motives
oEthical/moral ends, goals, or purpose – what outcome is sought?
oEthical/moral means, methods, or practice – how is it sought?
oEthical/moral motives, incentives, or impetus – why is it sought?
Quintilian’s “good person” theory of ethical communication
oAncient view of the ethical advocate
oDescribes ethical character qualities of the communicator
Habermas’ “ideal speech situation” theory of moral communication
oModern view of moral advocacy
oDescribes consequential moral conduct of the communication
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