Section II

Section II

Introduction to Ethics

Why Study Ethics?

power and influence of the media

the law is often inadequate

It will benefit us both as producers and consumers of the media

Ethics is more concerned with the process of decision making than the actual decision.

Ethical Theories

teleological - end more important than means

deontological - means more important than ends

virtue - character more important than behavior

Ethical Theories

Confucius - knowledge is wisdom

Greeks - Aristotle’s Golden Mean

Judeo/Christian - Golden Rule

Kant - categorical imperative

Mill - principle of utility

Lippman - law of reason

Rawl - veil of ignorance

Russell/Dewey - relativism

SAD Model of Decision Making

situation

- identify ethical issues

- list facts, principles, values involved

analysis

- rank values and principles

- examine external factors

- rank individuals/groups affected

decision

- justify using ethical theory
Ask Good Questions
To Make Good Ethical Decisions

1. What do I know? What do I need to know?

2. What is my journalistic purpose?

3. What are my ethical concerns?

4. What organizational policies and professional guidelines should I consider?

5. How can I include other people, with different perspectives and diverse ideas, in the decision-making process?

6. Who are the stakeholders or those affected by my decision? What are their motivations? Which are legitimate?

7. What if the roles were reversed? How would I feel if I were in the shoes of one of the stakeholders?

8. What are the possible consequences of my actions? Short term? Long term?

9. What are my alternatives to maximize my truthtelling responsibility and minimize harm?

10. Can I clearly and fully justify my thinking and my decision? To my colleagues? To the stakeholders? To the public?

Source: The Poynter Institute for Media Studies