Nodding's Relational Ethics

In my opinion, the four moralities listed in Karl Wallace’s, “An Ethical Basis of Communication”, and the values mentioned on page 31 (civility, sincerity, community, and toleration) are critical for our current political landscape if our society desires to maintain and promote democracy. Violating the morals and values previously mentioned,” …may undermine confidence by breeding distrust and suspicion” (Johannesen, Valde, &Whedbee, 2008). Equally important to consider is Nodding’s Relational Ethics, the relationship between caring and the one being cared for can be applied in a political context. In my opinion, this current administration seems calloused and dishonest but Nodding makes a simple yet profound statement, “…I care for someone
if I have regard for his views and interests”. Although a variety of philosophical position were discussed in this week’s topic some of them appear to overlap but I found the categorical imperative most significant. Contrary to Nodding’s love based ethical theory, Kant’s perspective is considered duty-bound; however, they seem to agree upon what matters most in our understanding of ethical communication. In his second presentation, he says, “Always act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in another, as an end, and never merely as a means” (as cited in Johannesen, Valde, Whedbee, 2008, p.39). If our society returned to God’s design for relationships, His principles are applicable in any relational dynamic) the “greater good” for mankind becomes tangible. In conclusion, an optimum level of ethical communication operates best and is beneficial when communicators respect and care about their perspective publics instead of fulfilling self-serving motives .