Universals Without Absolutes

A Theory of Media Ethics

Bibliographic Data

ID5852035
AuthorsChristopher Meyer (0000-0002-6048-1198, corresponding author), Christopher Meyers (California State University, Bakersfield, corresponding author)
Year2016
Volume31
Issue4
Pages198-214
Publication date2016-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Media Ethics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2373-6992 • E-ISSN: 2373-700X
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23736992.2016.1220255
OpenAlexW2531378724
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited23

The global turn in media ethics has presented a tough challenge for traditional models of moral theory: How do we assert common moral standards while also showing respect for the values of those from outside the Western tradition? The danger lies in advocating for either extreme: reason-dependent absolutism or cultural relativism. In this paper, I reject Cliff Christian's attempts to solve the problem and propose instead a moral theory of universal standards that are discovered via a mix of rationally grounded methods. Such universality refutes relativism but, because it is grounded in evolutionary naturalism and life-world philosophy-as opposed to a Kantian or theological transcendentalism-it also avoids absolutism

Problem of universals · Law in Society and Culture · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment