In this chapter on dialogic ethics, many theories of how dialogue can occur are discussed. I'm starting to see a pattern on how learning is such a key component of communication ethics. It is brought up in nearly all the chapters of the book so far.
I found it interesting when the chapter starts discussing on how dialogic ethics can be compared to as a form of moral jujitsu (p. 91). It is described that when we are faced with a view point that may not be our own, instead of getting defensive, attacking, or ignoring the Other, we should see it is a door opening and giving us the opportunity to learn from the Other. First, we must acknowledge that there will be bias on both sides and differences. Difference is what helps to create dialogue and promotes learning, but you cannot demand dialogue to occur. By accepting the differences, you can allow for open discussion, which doesn't mean that you agree with the viewpoint, but that you see it as another legitimate view which the Other had created through narratives and dialogues. Another key point that the book mentioned is that dialogue can occur on topics whether we like it or not, so the best way to go about it is to be attentive and again, see it is a key learning experience. This reminds me of how dialogue with my mom may occur. I don't necessarily agree with her and she acknowledges that, but my willingness to respect her views, listen to her, and maybe try to gain insight or learn from her narrative. I don't like what she has to say, but going about it ethically or reasonably, helps open up dialogue for future conversations more easily. We can both learn from each other this way.
Ideally, this seems very simple to do. We all have our own bias and narratives and that if we shared, we would gain new narratives to share with others. But unfortunately, this is actually harder to achieve in reality. It can be very difficult when you perceive that your is narrative is threatened by the Other. That's why it is so important to emphasize how learning and accepting that there will be differences will allow for more effective and open dialogue. It can be seen easily now that people all around the world are connected and coming into contact with different narratives. For so long, people of the same general area had a consensus of what their narratives were so when that particular narrative seems to be threatened by the Other, many people may not know how to go about the decision. It'd be nice if everyone who are going to use the Internet had to take this course. I feel like it may create a better platform for open dialogue if everyone had the same core concepts of learning from differences and accepting the differences, but not necessarily agreeing to those differences or changing their views.
I feel the same way about how important learning is when it comes to communication ethics in general, especially in reference to the book. As I read your post i couldn't help but think about what some biases are. Like when people are communicating can biases be different culturally. I remember the book talking about how in dialogue we should always be open to learning and attentive, and respect other peoples biases, but I wonder to what extent are we suppose to go in our attentiveness or flexibility in our learning. Biases are biases for reason right, I feel like if people go to far in their learning we loose the whole ethical/correct way to communicate.
ReplyDeleteMimi- I would like to add an additional idea to your post. As I agree that Dialogic Ethics mainly revolves around difference and learning, I believe that a part of Dialogic Ethics can also involve not only the way than an individual is receptive to difference, but also in the way that an individual expresses themselves to another person. For example, if I come across someone who has differences, whether they be cultural or opinionated, I may be open to hear what they have to say, yet as a responder, I should take into consideration how I am portraying myself to them because afterall, dialogue involves two people communicating.
ReplyDeleteI liked the example that you gave about the relationship that you have with your mother because dialogic ethics occur not only with people we don't know, but it occurs with people that are close to us. It boils down to learning from each other and being open and willing to hear what they have to say as a possible reality and ultimately learn from that.