Controversial images. ‘Listening to’ the visual, for a new communication ethics

Communicating with controversial images may be a device to draw attention to issues that are key to the interest of people and society alike. A device that can raise public awareness, or, instead, anaesthetise it may lead to make responsible or irresponsible choices. It is this ability of images that will be emphasised by communicative events involving controversial images, astride three media revolutions ad imaginem: printing, photography and digital technology. Lastly, emphasis will be placed on the importance of communication ethics in the choice of a “good” controversial image, one that may enable viewers to see it, ‘listen to it’ and understand it and, thus, to act morally.