COMM202- 1.2
Page 1: Introduction
Presentation on Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in Mass Media
Speaker: Dr. Yosra Jarrar
Page 2: Ethical Decision Making
Learning Objectives:
Recognize the need for professional ethics in journalism.
Work through a model of ethical decision-making.
Identify and apply five philosophical principles relevant to mass communication.
Page 3: Current Events
Discussion of Trump's remarks about coronavirus to Bob Woodward:
Reflects on the impact of media dissemination on public perception.
Page 4: Ethical Decisions in Media
Case Study: The New York Times vs. National Public Radio
NYT refers to Trump as a liar.
NPR refrains from using that terminology.
Discussion Points:
Who is correct in their ethical stance?
What principles guide language in reporting?
Page 5: Branding and Ethics
Historical context: Aunt Jemima branding change
Quaker Oats removes branding based on racial stereotypes
Aim: Progress towards racial equality.
Page 6: Native Advertising
Prevalence of native advertising
Found in online spaces and traditional publications (e.g., New York Times)
Critique from comedian John Oliver highlighted.
Page 7: Discussion on Native Advertising
Argument by John Oliver on native advertising as "repurposed bovine waste"
Despite critiques, spending on native ads rises
Definition: Native ads blend in with regular content, raising ethical concerns.
Page 8: Controversial Media Impact
Issue: "13 Reasons Why" and its potential link to increased youth suicides
Ongoing debates about media influence on mental health.
Page 9: Ethical Choices in Journalism
Criteria for ethical decisions:
Choices begin with individuals but are influenced by organizations.
Dual roles: news reporter vs. private citizen.
Ethical problems are complex with no straightforward answers.
Page 10: Addressing Ethical Dilemmas
Preparing for ethical dilemmas through anticipated frameworks
Importance of historical ethical theories influencing decisions
Remember: Tools aid in decision-making, actual answers arise from personal reflection.
Page 11: Importance of Ethical Tools
Awareness of ethical tools prevents isolated decision-making
Tools help avoid "quandary ethics" where all choices seem equally valid.
Page 12: Ethics Discussion Group
Engage in group discussions on three myths of ethics and guidelines for navigation.
Page 13: Codes of Ethics
Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics:
Seek truth and report it
Minimize harm
Act independently
Be accountable
Page 14: Ethical Consistency
Importance of ethical consistency in decision-making
Consistent ethical practices enhance professional work across mass communication fields.
Page 15: Distinguishing Ethics and Morals
Definition: Ethics involve conflicts within moral systems
Ethics focus on choice between equally compelling alternatives
Comparison of ethics (good vs. better) and morals (right vs. wrong).
Page 16: Defining Ethics
Ethics as the ability to make rational decisions among morally justifiable options
Emphasis on rationality and explanation of decisions.
Page 17: Bok's Ethical Model
Steps in Bok's ethical approach:
Consult conscience: Feelings about proposed actions.
Consult experts for alternatives.
Facilitate discussions on the impact of actions on others.
Page 18: Media Ethics Application
Challenge: Determine how much news is appropriate to publish.
Page 19: Guidelines for Ethical Decisions
Encourage participants to share possible guidelines for ethical decision-making.
Page 20: Key Ethical Approaches
Overview of influential ethical approaches:
Deontological: Emphasis on duty
Consequentialist: Focus on outcomes
Virtue Ethics: Emphasis on character.
Page 21: Ethical Frameworks
Tradition and principal thinkers associated with major ethical approaches:
Virtue Ethics: Aristotle, Aquinas
Deontological Ethics: Kant
Consequentialism: Bentham, Mill
Page 22: Aristotelian Tradition
Focus on practical knowledge and virtuous living
Aim: Achieve eudaimonia (happiness/flourishing).
Page 23: Practical Dispositions
Question of what dispositions and virtues should be acquired for ethical living.
Page 24: Rational Virtues
Distinctions between virtues corresponding to:
Theoretical intelligence
Practical wisdom
Virtues of character (e.g., temperance, justice).
Page 25: Character Traits
Virtues as settled traits aiding in decision-making through practical wisdom.
Page 26: Eudaimonia
Cultivating virtues leads to true happiness or flourishing.
Recognizes the subjective nature of happiness.
Page 27: The Golden Mean
Virtue as a mean between extremes varies per individual
Highlights interconnectedness of individual actions toward character.
Page 28: Kant's Categorical Imperative
Overview of Kant's ethics emphasizing the uniqueness of moral agents and universal law.
Page 29: Application of Kant's Principles
Moral actions should be universally applicable, emphasizing the treatment of individuals.
Page 30: Ethical Dilemma for Journalists
The challenge of maintaining truth while pursuing compelling stories.
Page 31: Categorical Imperative's Strictness
Categorical imperatives shape actions against personal inclinations.
Page 32: Consequentialist Ethics Overview
Introduction to utilitarianism through notable figures (Bentham, Mill).
Page 33: Bentham's Utilitarianism
Greatest happiness principle; actions evaluated by outcomes.
Page 34: Bentham's Felicific Calculus
Objective assessment between pleasure and pain for moral decision-making.
Page 35: Mill's Contribution
Advocacy for both quantity and quality of happiness as integral to decision-making.
Page 36: Challenges of Utilitarianism
Difficulty in judging pleasure's quality and measuring happiness.
Page 37: Act vs. Rule Utilitarianism
The nuances in determining moral actions based on direct vs. rule-based evaluations.
Page 38: Rule Utilitarianism Explained
Rule-utilitarianism seeks to uphold rules that protect the innocent from harm.
Page 39: Summary of Ethical Philosophers
Distinction among key philosophers as related to ethical decision making.
Page 40: Ethical Pluralism
Value pluralism: Existence of multiple fundamental values leading to potential conflict.
Page 41: Duties in Ethical Pluralism
Competing ethical claims and their duty-based nature prior to decision-making.
Page 42: Identified Ethical Duties
Key duties recognized in ethical considerations include fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, non-maleficence, and self-improvement.
Page 43: Ethics vs. Science
Continuity in ethical theories compared to progress in scientific thought.
Page 44: Ethical Change and Continuity
Recognition of gradual evolution within moral theories reflecting societal norms.
Page 45: Ongoing Ethical Discourse
Ethical thinking exhibits systematic qualities akin to scientific methodologies.
Page 46: Reading Case Studies
Guidance on how to approach and analyze case studies effectively.
Page 47: Sample Student Responses
Reflection on ethical dilemmas using media images and the implications for community welfare vs. individual privacy.