Can we say anything ethical about Digital Religion? Philosophical and methodological considerations
Published online on June 03, 2016
Abstract
Against the background of growing interest in normative frameworks within Media and Communication Studies and Internet Studies, I propose a virtue ethics framework for Digital Religion (DR). This framework conjoins loving as a virtue with consequent norms of equality and respect for persons. By understanding selfhood in terms of relational autonomy, this framework shares with DR a central focus on identity, community, and authority. Two applications of the framework within DR illustrate its practicality. I further show how this framework can counter two main objections to the introduction of normative interests within DR as an otherwise "value-free" social science.