test 3: chapter 11 Flashcards
ethics
a branch of philosophy that examines moral questions, or questions of right and wrong
morals
what we believe to be right or wrong
Often used synonymously with “ethics”
Ethics provide us with a framework and method for good moral reasoning
laws
rules may or may not be based on moral precepts
Many unethical actions are not illegal
Character/Virtue Ethics Systems
Oldest of the ethical systems with roots in some of society’s earliest religions
The Greeks believed that a virtuous character led to a virtuous life.
Focus on key virtues: courage, modesty, stoicism, honesty, etc.
You could not just act modestly or selflessly, when in fact you don’t feel that way. This is breaking one of the key virtues: honesty.
This system of ethics has become more important in recent years among media ethicists: this stress on character touches on what makes us human.
golden rule
based on ethical principles of Judeo-Christian beliefs that dominate most Western societies.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” and/or “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
media example of golden rule
a journalist interviewing a grieving relative
They would treat the person with respect and dignity
Asking themselves: how would they like to be treated in that situation?
golden mean
one of the oldest ethical principles
Aristotle & Confucius: Find a balance between two extremes
This “middle way” may shift as the extremes shift
golden mean media example
finding balance and fairness on both sides of a story
Does not mean allotting the same amount of time and/or space to each side
The relative importance of each perspective dictates the amount of coverage
Duty-Based Systems
Moral obligation to follow prescribed set of rules, or duties, regardless of outcome
It is our moral obligation to follow these rules no matter what
Provides basic principles for moral obligations in life
Duty-based approach vs. Virtue-based:
Virtue-based emphasizes the individual’s choice within a framework
Duty-based eliminates an individual’s choice in favor of a set of rules that apply to everyone
Categorical imperative (Kant)
Unconditional moral obligation, not dependent on an individual’s personal goals. Rules apply to everyone.
media example of categorical imperative
an advertising firm’s decision not to represent tobacco brands
Discourse ethics (Habermas)
prescribes rules but also assumes the importance of justice and equality. Communication is integral to how we understand the world.
When practiced without bias or coercion, it becomes an ethical act
Not about finding compromise for the sake of compromise. But letting people come to a shared and consensual understanding that ideally makes everyone happy.
Utilitarianism
The most ethical action does the greatest good for the greatest number
media example of utilitarianism
justifying coverage of sensitive/painful events that only effected a small handful of people directly, but may help many others
social justice
What is ethical is whatever brings about the most social justice and/or fairness to everyone
Media example: Reporters may choose their words more carefully if they imagined themselves the subject of the piece.
Unrealistic in today’s competitive business world.
Requires those in control to surrender their power and position
The dominant group has little incentive to abandon their ability to coerce others
