Language, Power & Ethics (DP IB Theory of Knowledge): Revision Note

Language, power & ethics

• Language can create and reinforce power by shaping what people believe, what they pay attention to and what they see as acceptable

• Ethical issues arise because language can be used to inform and clarify, but it can also be used to mislead or manipulate

Persuasion, propaganda and political language

• Persuasion uses language to influence beliefs or actions by:

  • giving reasons

  • selecting evidence

  • appealing to values or emotions

• Political language is often persuasive because it frames events and policies in ways that build support and reduce opposition

  • E.g. describing a rise in taxes as an “investment in public services” can frame it as a future benefit, while describing it as a “tax burden” frames it as an unfair cost

• Propaganda is an extreme form of persuasive political language, where the aim is to secure loyalty to a viewpoint by presenting a highly one-sided message and discouraging critical questioning

  • E.g. “this policy is delivering real change for hardworking families, and only a small group of naysayers claim otherwise”

  • This statement pushes a one-sided, emotionally loaded message that dismisses criticism rather than encouraging people to evaluate evidence and arguments

• Propaganda tends to be unethical when it relies on distortion, omission or emotional pressure instead of open evaluation

Euphemism, taboo and manipulation

• A euphemism is a softer, or less direct, word used to avoid harsh or upsetting language, e.g. “passed away” for died

  • Euphemisms can improve sensitivity, but they can also be used to hide responsibility

• Manipulation uses language to steer choices without the audience fully noticing how their interpretation is being guided

• Euphemisms can become manipulative when they replace clear descriptions in high-stakes contexts where accuracy matters

  • E.g. a politician who describes reducing funding for a service as “streamlining” is using language manipulatively because the wording means that people are more likely to accept the change; this may then alter voting behaviour

• Some words are taboo because they can debase individuals or are considered disrespectful or rude in given contexts

  • Taboo words may shift over time

• Ethical evaluation here depends on intent and impact; is the wording protecting people from unnecessary harm, or protecting the speaker from accountability?

Responsibilities of communicators

• Communicators have responsibilities because their language choices affect what others believe and how they act; responsibilities include:

  • clarity: using terminology that can be understood by the audience

  • accuracy: ensuring that evidence is presented in a way that does not mislead the audience

  • transparency: uncertainty and limitations are described

• Ethical communication balances persuasion with respect for autonomy, allowing the audience to evaluate the claim rather than being pushed into a particular choice

• Some terms are considered by many to belong to specific communities, and communicators should think carefully about whether they should use such language

  • E.g. words that have historically been used to demean a group but have since been reclaimed by that group to describe themselves

• Language acceptable in one context may be taboo in another, and communicators have a responsibility to recognise and respect those boundaries

Linguistic inequality

• Linguistic inequality happens when some ways of communicating are treated as more legitimate, intelligent, or authoritative than others; people can gain or lose power depending on factors such as:

  • accent

  • dialect

  • vocabulary

  • fluency

• Inequality can also occur when important information is only available in one language, limiting who can access knowledge

• Reducing linguistic inequality can involve valuing multiple dialects, providing translation support and judging ideas on content rather than language style