Ethics in critical discourse analysis

ABSTRACT

This paper analyses influential approaches to CDA using an ethical lens that employs a synthesis underpinned by Kenneth Burke’s theoretical perspectives on language as action. It argues that CDA is an unavoidably moralistic pursuit with explicit aims of beneficially transforming social and political systems to make them more equal and democratic. The paper briefly addresses well aired criticisms of CDA based on its moralistic core and conclude that they miss the point by having made a Scientistic assessment of a Dramatistic pursuit. I have analysed pieces by Theo van Leeuwen and Ruth Wodak, Norman Fairclough, Ruth Wodak, Teun van Dijk, Jay Lemke, and Isabela and Norman Fairclough.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethics
• critical discourse analysis
• Kenneth Burke
• language and ethics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Phil Graham is Professor and Head of School, Communication and Creative Industries, at the University of the Sunshine Coast.