Article
Translating moral orders: putting moral conflict theory in conversation with actor–network theory
Review of Communication
(2018)
Abstract
Moral conflict theory explains deep moral differences and patterns of communication commonly associated with such conflicts. Moral conflict is defined as a struggle between humans, but we argue that the objects of contention in such intractable conflicts, including texts, physical objects, and places, assume a force of their own. We use actor–network theory to help explain this eventuality and to expand our understanding of moral conflict. Combining actor–network theory literature with moral conflict theory literature helps us understand the complexity of moral orders and the networks of actors involved in the construction of moral conflict. This expansion of literature also allows us to conceive of more possibilities for transcendent discourse.
Keywords
- Moral conflict,
- actor–network theory,
- transcendent discourse
Disciplines
Publication Date
September 16, 2018
DOI
10.1080/15358593.2018.1516798
Citation Information
Kristen Cole and Stephen W. Littlejohn. "Translating moral orders: putting moral conflict theory in conversation with actor–network theory" Review of Communication Vol. 18 Iss. 4 (2018) p. 352 - 369 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kristen-cole/2/