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Gossip as a burdened virtue
Alfano, Mark Robinson, Brian
Alfano, Mark
Robinson, Brian
Author
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.
Keywords
virtue, burdened virtue, gossip, reputation, social epistemology
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Ethical Theory and Moral Practice
Book
Volume
20
Issue
Page Range
473-487
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open