Topic 9: Attention & Ethics

Attention Ethics

The idea that what we pay attention to has moral significance both individually and collectively

Selective Attention

The fact that we cannot pay attention to everything meaning attention is a limited moral resource

Moral Importance of Attention

Attention shapes what we care about what we value and what issues we recognize as morally significant

Attention as a Resource

Attention is limited scarce and can be used well or poorly similar to time or money

Ethical Question About Attention

What should we pay attention to and what should we avoid paying attention to

Deserving Attention

Something is deserving when it has genuine moral importance such as injustice suffering or democratic issues

Undeserving Attention

Things that are attention grabbing but not morally important such as gossip celebrity drama or sensationalized media

Individual Attention Obligation

The idea that individuals may have duties to pay attention to certain issues such as injustice or harm

Collective Attention Obligation

The idea that societies or groups may have duties to ensure important issues receive public attention

Attention Shaping Beliefs

Our beliefs values and actions depend on what we notice or overlook making attention central to moral judgement

Power to Direct Attention

Media tech platforms and influencers can shape public attention raising ethical concerns about manipulation

Attention Norms

Shared social expectations about what deserves attention and what does not

Distraction Problem

Modern technologies pull attention toward trivial content and away from morally important issues

The Ethical Stakes of Attention

What we attend to affects who gets help whose suffering is noticed and which political issues get addressed

Attention Economy Intro

The idea that companies compete for users attention because attention is profitable

Exam Requirement What Makes Something Deserving of Attention

You must explain moral relevance impact on others and significance of harm or justice

Exam Requirement Are There Moral Obligations About Attention

Must explain yes or no with reasons such as duties to stay informed or to avoid harmful content

Exam Requirement Examples of Attention Worthy Issues

Examples include systemic injustice human rights crises public health crises or environmental harm

Exam Requirement Examples of Attention Traps

Examples include celebrity scandals algorithmic outrage content or sensationalized news that distracts from serious problems