Gossip as a burdened virtue

Journal article

Alfano, Mark and Robinson, Brian. (2017). Gossip as a burdened virtue. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice. 20, pp. 473 - 487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10677-017-9809-y
AuthorsAlfano, Mark and Robinson, Brian
Abstract

Gossip is often serious business, not idle chitchat. Gossip allows those oppressed to privately name their oppressors as a warning to others. Of course, gossip can be in error. The speaker may be lying or merely have lacked sufficient evidence. Bias can also make those who hear the gossip more or less likely to believe the gossip. By examining the social functions of gossip and considering the differences in power dynamics in which gossip can occur, we contend that gossip may be not only permissible but virtuous, both as the only reasonable recourse available and as a means of resistance against oppression.

Keywordsvirtue; burdened virtue; gossip; reputation; social epistemology
Year2017
JournalEthical Theory and Moral Practice
Journal citation20, pp. 473 - 487
PublisherSpringer Netherlands
ISSN1386-2820
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1007/s10677-017-9809-y
Open accessOpen access
Page range473 - 487
Publisher's version
License
Place of publicationNetherlands
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