Interruption That We Are: The Health of the Lived Body, Narrative, and Public Moral Argument

In this provocative work, Michael Hyde develops a philosophy of communication ethics in which the practice of rhetoric plays a fundamental role in promoting and maintaining the health of our personal and communal existence. He examines how the force of interruption is a catalyst for moral reflection and moral behaviour.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2019
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press

In this groundbreaking and interdisciplinary work, Michael J. Hyde delves into the realm of communication ethics, where rhetoric takes center stage in fostering and sustaining the well-being of both individual and collective existence. He explores the profound impact of interruption, the inherent human ability to challenge our complacent understanding of the world, as a catalyst for moral reflection and ethical behavior.

Hyde begins his exploration by tracing the historical significance of interruption throughout the West, from the Big Bang to biblical figures, classical Greek philosophers, contemporary rhetoricians, and three modern thinkers: Søren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, and Emmanuel Levinas. These thinkers, through their diverse perspectives, demonstrate that interruption is not merely a heuristic tool but an integral part of what it means to be human.

Building upon this critical assessment, Hyde presents four case studies in public moral argument that showcase the practical applications of his findings regarding our interruptive nature. These studies revolve around a patient suffering from heart disease, a disability rights activist defending her personhood, a young woman facing a terminal diagnosis of brain cancer who must make a difficult decision about medical aid in dying, and the implications of our "posthuman future," characterized by rapid advancements in medical science and technology. While these advancements are reshaping the nature of interruption, the wisdom of such progress remains uncertain.

Hydes philosophy of communication ethics goes beyond mere contemplation and demands the cultivation of wisdom. It also advocates for the pursuit of truth, which is vital to the survival of democracy. By embracing the power of interruption and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can strive for a more ethical and just society.

This thought-provoking work encourages us to reflect on the role of communication in shaping our moral compass and to engage in ethical discourse that promotes the greater good. It serves as a reminder that our ability to challenge assumptions, question norms, and seek truth is essential for personal and societal growth.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611177077