week 5 Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of communication according to the document?
The primary purpose of communication is to foster communion, which is the sharing of a good, and to enable inter-subjectivity between individuals.
What are some common abuses of communication?
Lies, deception, calumny, detraction, flattery, hypocrisy, insults, and other forms of harm.
Why is lying considered wrong in communication ethics?
Lying creates false beliefs, causes consequential harm, disrespects others, undermines trust and cooperation, and harms both the liar and the one being lied to.
What distinguishes lying from misleading in communication?
Lying involves making a knowingly false assertion, while misleading does not necessarily involve an assertion but still causes harm through intentional omission or deception.
What is the role of context in determining whether an assertion is truthful?
The meaning of what is asserted depends on the words used and the context in which they are communicated.
How does the principle of solidarity relate to communication?
Communication should not only be truthful but also aim to avoid causing unnecessary harm and promote the well-being of others, fostering community and relationships.
What are calumny and detraction, and how do they differ?
Calumny: Spreading falsehoods that undermine another’s reputation.
Detraction: Sharing truthful information that damages another’s reputation without a compelling reason.
In Case Study I, why is Company ABC’s financial manipulation unethical?
By bringing forward expenses to inflate future profits, they create a misleading financial report, deceiving investors and stakeholders about the company’s actual performance.
In Case Study II, what is unethical about XYZ Assurance Ltd.’s brochure cover?
The photo of the ten-story building is misleading, as the company only occupies a small office on the fourth floor. This can deceive potential clients about the scale and credibility of the business.
In Case Study III, why might Kay’s actions with Mara be considered unethical?
By hosting Mara in a luxurious apartment and using cars that do not belong to him without disclosing the truth, Kay creates a false impression of wealth, potentially misleading Mara into making a significant life decision under false pretenses.
What are the ethical issues with Mr. Awoyaya’s travel expense claim?
He falsely presented a hotel receipt for reimbursement despite not staying there, violating principles of truthfulness and honesty.
What are the ethical concerns about a drug company omitting information about side effects in its advertisements?
The omission of side effects like drowsiness misleads consumers, preventing them from making fully informed decisions about the product.
How would you ethically respond to your grandmother asking about a sweater you find ugly?
A response could balance honesty and kindness, such as appreciating the effort she put into knitting it without directly lying about its appeal.
Why is it difficult to tell only one lie, according to the document?
Lies often require additional lies to maintain consistency, creating a chain of deceit and further complications.
How does the concept of solidarity influence the way disagreements should be handled in communication?
Disagreements should aim to serve truth and good, avoiding unnecessary harm or hostility that undermines relationships and community.
