Ethics and Society Chapter 2
Syllabus Question
Is a system of ethics needed? Why or why not?
Five Reasons Supporting a Code of Ethics Social Stability Trust Moral Hierarchy Moral Gatekeeper Fundamental Societal Norms Truth Not stealing
Promote Dynamic Moral Ecology Social conscience striving for decent society Resolve Conflicts Clarify Values Solving moral dilemmas through debate
Functions of Media within Ethical System Three functions Primary source of information Democratic society Informed decisions without deliberate falsehoods
Transmission of persuasion TV Commercials: Super BowlSuper Bowl Classical liberal marketplace theory Federal Trade Commission Creation and dispersion of mass entertainment Media role
Five Conditions for System of Ethics Shared Values Codified Ethics: APMEAPME Wisdom Based on reason & experience Justice No double standards Freedom Choice without coercion Accountability Informal & formal corrective measures
Levels of Moral Duty General Obligations Apply to all of society Two general over all others Treat others with respect & moral dignity Avoid intentional harm Particularistic Obligations Within specific group, profession, or occupation Teachers: NEANEA
Stakeholders of Media Agents Individual conscience Objects of Moral Judgment Financial Supporters The Institution Professional Colleagues Society
Moral Obligation & the Institution
Dichotomous Viewpoints LibertarianSelf-reliance Individual Autonomy Social Responsibility Codes of ethics Political Pressure
21 st Century Impact Growth of Internet Users Proliferation of Information outlets Ethics of Cyberspace Privacy Copyright Flaming
Self-regulation & Corporations Codes of Conduct Professional Codes Institutional Codes Ombudsman System Independent agent hired by institution to investigate questionable conduct News Council Cross section of community and media National News Council Considering a National News Council
NCA Credo for Ethical Communication Working in groups for a two part process: Rank the nine areas of ethical communication in the order that your group feels is the most important focus for 21 st Century communication Then, rank them in the order that you feel they are enforced
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