This chapter tells us the six different metaphors of communication ethics praxis: (1) democratic communication ethics, (2) universal-humanitarian communication ethics, (3) codes, procedures, and standards in communication ethics, (4) contextual communication ethics, (5) narrative communication ethics, and lastly, (6) dialogic communication ethics. The two that stood out to me the most were democratic communication ethics and codes, procedures and standards in communication ethics.
Being that we live in a democratic society today, I think that this is one of the most important metaphors talked about in the chapter. As our book explains, "Democratic communication ethics defines a public process for contention about ideas, customs, and rights, protecting and promoting the good of public decision making," (p.46). This communication ethics has been widely known and started back in ancient Greek, where public participation was first encouraged. Not only does democratic communication ethics help us become better communicators, it lets others participate and share what they believe, offering greater involvement in a group.
The second metaphor that stood out to me was codes, procedures and standards in communication ethics. The book explains that, "Codes, procedures, and standards frame communication conceptually and behaviorally according to guidelines defined by institutional groups," (p. 50). This is important for organizations and institutional groups so that everyone is on the same page as to what is ethical and what is appropriate conduct. Before even reading on, the first thing I thought of was the Public Relations Society of America, or the PRSA, being that I am interested in Public Relations. The book proceeds to list the six goods that the PRSA follow. It is interesting that there are so many different types of approaches to communication ethics, yet, they all want to protect and promote a certain "good".
I really like how you highlighted the most important metaphor of democratic communication ethics. I completely agree with you about the importance and significance of this, especially in the culture that we live in. One of the biggest ideals of the American culture is the ability to exercise our rights to freedom of speech as well as an open marketplace to exchange, analyze and adopt other perspectives. As communication ethics has described, that there is no single right way to do/think about things and so the ability that we have to be able to make decisions not only as a group but as the public, instead of just letting a few important powerful people make the decisions allows us as a culture to adapt, develop and grow as a nation. Thus, I really agree with the first metaphor that you found most important because I too, believe that this is one of the most important! Good post!
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