Media Censorship in Azerbaijan: Individual Rights vs. Greater Good
| Název práce v češtině: | Cenzura médií v Ázerbájdžánu: Individuální práva vs. větší dobro |
|---|---|
| Název v anglickém jazyce: | Media Censorship in Azerbaijan: Individual Rights vs. Greater Good |
| Klíčová slova: | Media, Censorship, Azerbaijan, Individual Rights, Greater Good |
| Klíčová slova anglicky: | Media, Censorship, Azerbaijan, Individual Rights, Greater Good |
| Akademický rok vypsání: | 2022/2023 |
| Typ práce: | bakalářská práce |
| Jazyk práce: | angličtina |
| Ústav: | Katedra politologie (23-KP) |
| Vedoucí / školitel: | Janusz Salamon, Ph.D. |
| Řešitel: | skrytý - zadáno vedoucím/školitelem |
| Datum přihlášení: | 30.09.2023 |
| Datum zadání: | 30.09.2023 |
| Zásady pro vypracování |
| Topic Characteristics/ Research question(s)
Media repression and censorship have occurred in Azerbaijan almost ever since the country’s inception. In recent years, distorted media has significantly impacted political discourse and has created space for radical, far-fetched discourse in civic society in Azerbaijan, which at the same time is accompanied by an identity cult resulting in the destruction of individual liberties. This research embarks on a comprehensive exploration of media censorship in Azerbaijan, adopting a consequentialist lens to scrutinize the delicate balance between safeguarding individual rights, particularly freedom of speech, and pursuing the greater societal good. At its core, the study aims to unravel the ethical complexities associated with curtailing individual liberties for the perceived benefit of societal stability, order, and other societal advantages. Through a critical examination of media censorship and its implications, this research endeavors to shed light on the tensions that arise when attempting to navigate the conflicting demands of individual rights and the broader welfare of society. This paper critically delves into the intricate dynamics of media censorship in Azerbaijan, employing a consequentialist perspective to assess the balance between individual rights, societal stability, and progress. The objective is to illuminate the strengths and weaknesses inherent in the application of consequentialism in this context. Additionally, the thesis aims to propose potential supplements or modifications to the consequentialist framework, especially drawing from deontological perspectives. Central to this discussion is the critical evaluation of how media censorship, as a tool, affects the balance between individual liberties, maintaining societal stability, and fostering progress. The research further explores the ethical and practical implications, scrutinizing the repercussions of curtailing individual freedoms for the collective well-being of society. Research questions such as, How does media censorship in Azerbaijan, seen through the lens of consequentialism, impact fundamental individual rights, particularly freedom of speech, and what trade-offs are deemed justifiable in terms of societal benefits such as stability, order, or security? To what extent does the consequentialist approach in evaluating media censorship allow for an effective and balanced assessment of the trade-offs between individual rights and the greater societal good, considering factors such as stability, order, and overall societal advantages? Can a harmonious equilibrium be achieved between individual rights and the pursuit of the greater good within the context of media censorship in Azerbaijan, and how can consequentialism provide insights into the ethical considerations associated with this equilibrium, illuminate the core of the study, focusing on the ethical evaluation of media censorship through the consequentialist perspective, especially concerning the trade-offs between individual rights and societal benefits for Azerbaijan. The research endeavors to offer a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between these aspects, ultimately contributing to the discourse on media censorship and its ethical implications. Working Hypotheses: The consequentialist approach, in the assessment of media censorship in Azerbaijan, emphasizing societal stability and progress, may face limitations due to potential neglect of fundamental individual rights and liberties. Integrating deontological ethics, especially the emphasis on preserving individual autonomy and treating individuals as ends in themselves, can enhance the analysis of media censorship's impact, offering a more comprehensive ethical framework. Methodology: The research begins with an extensive review of existing literature on media censorship, consequentialism, and deontological ethics. This foundational understanding will provide the basis for evaluating the application of consequentialism in the Azerbaijani context. The subsequent steps involve a thorough analysis of specific cases of media censorship, aiming to decipher the ethical implications through a consequentialist lens. Simultaneously, an exploration of how deontological principles, such as autonomy and respect for individuals, can complement this consequentialist view will be undertaken. The study seeks to propose an integrated approach that accounts for both consequentialist and deontological considerations in assessing media censorship and its consequences on individual rights, societal stability, and societal progress. |
| Seznam odborné literatury |
| Geybulla, A. (2021). Uncensored journalism in censored times: Challenges of reporting on
Azerbaijan. Journalism, 146488492110368. https://doi.org/10.1177/14648849211036872 Ward, D. (1990). Philosophical issues in censorship and intellectual freedom, 39, 83–91. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/4817052.pdf Pearce, K., & Kendzior, S. (2012, April). Networked Authoritarianism and Social Media in Azerbaijan. ResearchGate; Oxford University Press. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264364909_Networked_Authoritarianism_and_Social_Media_in_Azerbaijan Guriev, S., & Treisman, D. (2015, March). How Modern Dictators Survive: Cooptation, Censorship, Propaganda, and Repression. Ssrn.com. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2572452 Vasil Gluchman. (2023). The idea of the common good in the young Marx and nonutilitarian consequentialism. History of European Ideas, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/01916599.2023.2230583 Pearce, K. (2014). Two can play at that game: Social media opportunities in Azerbaijan for government and opposition. ResearchGate; Taylor & Francis. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286642729_Two_can_play_at_that_game_Social_medi a_opportunities_in_Azerbaijan_for_government_and_opposition Jaede, M. (n.d.). The Concept of the Common Good. https://psrpdev.law.ed.ac.uk/psrpx/wp- content/uploads/2017/05/201705_WP8_Jaede_Concept-of-the-Common-Good.pdf |
| Předběžná náplň práce |
| 1. Introduction
2. Literature Review A. Understanding media censorship and its tactics B. Consequentialism and ethical considerations C. Balancing individual rights and societal good: a theoretical overview 3. Consequentialist Analysis of Media Censorship 4. Case Studies and Comparative Analysis A. Analyzing specific cases of media censorship in Azerbaijan B. Comparative assessment of media censorship in other contexts C. Evaluating the role of consequentialism in shaping policy and practice 5. Ethical Dimensions: Individual Rights vs. Greater Good A. Ethical considerations underlying individual rights B. Ethical implications of prioritizing societal good C. Exploring the tension between individual rights and societal benefits 6. Public Perceptions and Attitudes A. Investigating public attitudes towards media censorship and individual rights B. Understanding the role of public perception in shaping policy C. Implications for a more informed public discourse 7. Conclusion |
| Předběžná náplň práce v anglickém jazyce |
| 1. Introduction
2. Literature Review A. Understanding media censorship and its tactics B. Consequentialism and ethical considerations C. Balancing individual rights and societal good: a theoretical overview 3. Consequentialist Analysis of Media Censorship 4. Case Studies and Comparative Analysis A. Analyzing specific cases of media censorship in Azerbaijan B. Comparative assessment of media censorship in other contexts C. Evaluating the role of consequentialism in shaping policy and practice 5. Ethical Dimensions: Individual Rights vs. Greater Good A. Ethical considerations underlying individual rights B. Ethical implications of prioritizing societal good C. Exploring the tension between individual rights and societal benefits 6. Public Perceptions and Attitudes A. Investigating public attitudes towards media censorship and individual rights B. Understanding the role of public perception in shaping policy C. Implications for a more informed public discourse 7. Conclusion |