Kant's thought evaluated from the perspective of media ethics

An event titled “Kant and Media Ethics” was organized by the Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication. The event focused on the individual's responsibility to use their own reason, the media's power to influence, and the understanding of ethical journalism within the framework of Kant's philosophy of enlightenment and morality. While the impact of music used in news and social media content on individuals' emotions and thoughts was evaluated, the importance of critical thinking and approaching issues with a detached perspective to interpret events healthily was emphasized. 

The event, held at the İbn-i Sina hall of Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication's South Campus, was moderated by Asst. Prof. Koray Kırmızısakal from the New Media and Communication (English) Department. 

Asst. Prof. Umut Eldem, who was a guest at the event, drawing from Immanuel Kant's works “What is Enlightenment?” and “Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals,” evaluated topics such as critical thinking, algorithmic guidance, emotional manipulation in news, freedom of expression, and human dignity within the scope of media ethics discussed at the event.

“People often get used to learning how to think from others”

In his speech, Asst. Prof. Umut Eldem, reminding of the principle “Dare to know!” which forms the basis of Kant's understanding of enlightenment, stated; “At the core of Kant's understanding of enlightenment lies the principle 'Dare to know!'. Kant defines humanity's dependence on the guidance of others as a state of immaturity. People often get used to learning how to think from others. This situation can also limit their ability to make their own decisions. Today, we see this guidance not only through individuals but also through mass communication tools, social media algorithms, and large language models. What is important is for individuals to take responsibility for their own thoughts and lives.”

“The way news is presented can affect how an event is perceived”

Eldem, evaluating media ethics through the concept of manipulation, stated that the way news is presented can affect how viewers perceive and evaluate events. Eldem; “We can also evaluate media ethics through the concept of manipulation. For example, music used in news broadcasts can influence how viewers evaluate events. Dramatic music used in sad news or action music accompanying operation news can direct viewers towards specific emotions. Thus, independently of the news content, the presentation style can also affect how an event is perceived. This situation can make it difficult to evaluate events objectively and dispassionately.” he said.

“It is necessary to take time to think instead of reacting immediately”

Eldem, stating that users can switch between different emotions in short intervals on social media feeds, and the nature of content that prompts quick reactions can make calm thinking difficult; “On social media, users can switch between different emotions in very short intervals. The nature of content that constantly prompts quick reactions can make calm thinking difficult. Having reason and using it correctly depends somewhat on being able to distance oneself from subjects and issues. To evaluate an issue healthily, it is necessary to look at it from a distance and take time to think instead of reacting immediately.” 

In the Q&A session held after the speech, students asked questions about the role of intention and outcome in moral actions, and the limits of the right to criticism.

Answering the questions within the framework of Kant's moral philosophy, Eldem emphasized the importance of a person's intention and the principle underlying their behavior in the moral evaluation of an action.

The event concluded after students' questions were answered.