Jak mówi się o moralności w dyskursie publicznym
The Way Morality Is Discussed in the Public Discourse

Summary/Abstract: Morality and terms which are closely related to it such as good, justice and truth are only occasionally referred to. Consequently, the image of morality in public discussions is not complete and can only be seen as a background of the proper linguistic image. Morality is understood as a trait of an act or of a person. On the one hand, one cannot clearly determine if it can be understood as a kind of ability or an ability to act accordingly with moral rules. But on the other, we can accept such an understanding of the term in the context of phrases such as ‘autorytet moralny’ (moral authority) and ‘legitymacja moralna’ (moral legitimization). Orientational metaphors such as ‘kre˛gosłup moralny’ (moral spine) link morality with the upright position − with dignity; while structural metaphors such as ‘życie jako droga z wskazówkami moralnymi’ (life as a way with moral directions) link morality with the pursuit of humanity. Generally speaking, morality is not perceived dynamically (as becoming moral, acquiring the ability of being moral). In the recent years also ontological metaphors showing moral dilemmas of man have not been appearing in the press. The understanding of morality as a value can be justified indirectly by raising subjects relating to it. However, phrases such as ‘dług moralny’ (moral debt), ‘spus´cizna moralna’ (moral heritage), ‘bankructwo moralne’ (moral bankruptcy) are almost non-existent in the language of the press.

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