Expectancy Violations Theory - Ethical Reflection

Ethical Reflection

The focal point of EVT is the effectiveness of one's actions when communicating with another, this perspective creates an opportunity for deception. Before we willingly violate another persons expectations we should consider what is ethical. According to Immanuel Kant's theory of categorical imperative any time we speak or act, we have a moral obligation to be truthful. Kant wrote that "truthfulness in statements which cannot be avoided is the formal duty of an individual to everyone, however great may be the disadvantage accruing to himself or another." (Kant 1964) Exceptions are continually made when it comes to walking the line of morality; we may disregard white lies, justify deception for the good of others, or avoid the outcomes of the truth all together. Categorical imperative is a method for determining right from wrong by thinking through the ethical valence of an act, regardless of motive. In terms of EVT, Kant would have us look at the violation we are considering and ask, What if everybody did that all the time? If we don't like the answer then we have a solemn duty not to do the deed. Unless we can embrace the idea of everyone in the world undergoing the same action we should not do the deed.