unit 1 ethical media

Notes: Introduction to Ethical Decision-Making (Media Ethics)

Learning Outcomes:

  • Recognize the need for professional ethics in journalism.

  • Understand and apply a model of ethical decision-making.

  • Identify and use five philosophical principles for mass communication situations.

Key Topics:

The Importance of Ethical Decisions:

  • Modern challenges in media ethics:

    • Business model pressures.

    • Automation replacing jobs.

    • Evolving democratic roles of media.

  • Ethical decision examples:

    • The New York Times labeling Trump a "liar" versus NPR avoiding the term.

    • Facebook's role in spreading misinformation during elections.

    • Systemic sexual harassment in media organizations (e.g., Fox News).

Dilemmas:

  • Ethical issues often lack a single "right" answer.

  • Ethical tools provide frameworks, not answers, emphasizing individual discernment and learned insights.

Ethics vs. Morals:

  • Ethics: Rational principles for making decisions about "ought" (objective).

  • Morals: Religious or cultural codes about "right and wrong" (subjective).

Bok's Model of Ethical Decision-Making:

  1. Consult your conscience: Reflect on your feelings about an action's "rightness."

  2. Seek expert advice: Look for alternatives from trusted experts or philosophical writings.

  3. Engage in public dialogue: Hypothetically or actually discuss with all stakeholders to anticipate responses.

Philosophical Approaches:

  1. Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics:

    • Focuses on character and practical wisdom.

    • The "Golden Mean": Ethical behavior is the balance between extremes.

    • Ethical decision-making is agent-oriented.

  2. Kant’s Categorical Imperative:

    • Actions should be universalizable (e.g., honesty applies to everyone).

    • Treat people as ends, not means.

    • Emphasizes the act itself over the actor or consequences.

  3. Utilitarianism (Bentham and Mill):

    • Ethical actions maximize happiness for the greatest number.

    • Focused on outcomes but requires careful evaluation of consequences.

  4. Ross’ Pluralistic Theory of Value:

    • Multiple ethical duties (e.g., fidelity, beneficence, justice) compete in decision-making.

    • Distinction between prima facie duties (general obligations) and actual duties (context-specific).

  5. Communitarianism:

    • Values community over individualism.

    • Stresses social justice and ethical actions contributing to a better society.

    • Encourages contextual, outcome-oriented journalism.

Guidelines for Ethical Decision-Making:

  1. Assess morally relevant factors (e.g., harm caused).

  2. Determine if actions prevent or allow greater harm.

  3. Evaluate unique positions or roles for action.

  4. Consider universalizability and public justification.

  5. Ensure readiness to defend actions in public forums.

Case Study Framework:

  • Ethical case studies teach:

    • Complexity of decisions.

    • Context and consequences of actions.

    • Analytical and critical thinking skills.

  • Guidelines:

    • Not all opinions are equally valid; best-supported conclusions are preferred.

    • Multiple acceptable answers may exist, but many are clearly wrong.

    • Ethical decisions must balance individual and societal interests.

Challenges and Myths in Media Ethics:

  1. Myth: Every opinion is equally valid.

    • Fact: Opinions must be supported by logic and analysis.

  2. Myth: Ethical debates have no right answers.

    • Fact: Many wrong answers can be identified.

  3. Myth: People act out of self-interest regardless.

    • Fact: Institutions rely on ethics for longevity and societal support.

The Role of Media Ethics:

  • Provides tools and vocabulary to make consistent, defensible decisions.

  • Encourages media professionals to reflect on duties, values, and societal roles.

  • Promotes accountability and responsible practices in mass communication.