This chapter discusses communication ethics literacy and difference. But what does this mean? Of all the chapters so far this to me was the most ambiguous.The book explains that the focus of the chapter is on "the good of learning the constructive pragmatic response to an era defined by difference."(210.) A topic that is discussed is the pragmatic of dialogue. The pragmatics of dialogue untie learning, discernment, and difference. By uniting these three things we "affirm multiple views of the good, neither ignoring or concurring unreflectively with the new." (211).
This chapter seems to be about using the communication ethics we have learned as a whole in this book and applying them into our lives. On page 213 is says "communication ethics is the call to learn about different views." Everyday we have to navigate through communication with people who are different than ourselves. Everyday in class we learned from each other and realized what communication was acceptable and what communication was not. To be honest the first couple of classes were awkward. A lot of people had not broken out of their comfort zone and at the other end of the spectrum a lot of students seemed not to have a filter. As the semester continued, it became more apparent that the open communication of the class was welcomed and we learned communication ethics literacy to navigate communication in the classroom.
I also thought that this chapter was ambiguous, but I thought it was for the same reason that much of this book is not clearly defined, everything is based on the context you are placed in. I think that your example of our class is great since it seems like a perfect one. The first day we were given some codes and guidelines on how to act in the class, yet as the semsester went on we learned the little rules that allow for true conversation to take place. The ethics in our class have changed over the year, yet we never really had anyone break an ethical code or line.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit, I'm pretty amazed that we didn't have really any significant conflict in the class this semester. You'd think in a class where there is so much discussion on ethics, that at some point a fight of some sort could have broken out, especially in a class where it is so apparent that all of our stories are different. We all come from very unique backgrounds and have our own views of what is good, moral, or ethical, and yet we were able to discuss these matters while honoring those differences, actively listening to the Other, and keeping learning first and foremost in the process. We can read and write about ethics all we want, but as this class has showed, ethics are learned through trial and error interacting with people. Sure, there were times where someone may have stumbled a bit in class, but we learned, and that's what it's all about right? We have to learn how to navigate this postmodern society, and I think this class has given us a phenomenal set of skills to go forth from here to do so.
ReplyDeleteMacall, I agree with you on your points on the chapter, however I thought that this chapter was a nice wrap up because it really tied the book together. Overall, I thought that our class discussions were great and I really enjoyed coming to class. Although everyone in our class may have a different background, it is important to listen to the Other and to try to understand where they are coming from, because we as Americans always think our way is the right way, when that is clearly not always the case. As the chapter points out, we must, "embrace the necessity of learning," (p. 209). I'm sure everyone in our class did not have the same views on everything that we discussed, however, we need to be able to understand where one is coming from even if we don't agree with them. Learning is a key aspect of this chapter, and the book as a whole. I also really liked the quote you pulled from the text on page 213, as we have talked about before, everyone has their own narrative, and if we didn't differ in ethics or anything for that matter, the world would be a very monotonous place.
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