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Ethics and Society
Ethics = Cornerstone of Society
builds trust and cooperation (social stability)
serves as moral gatekeeper
acts as moral arbitrator in resolving conflicts
clarifies competing values and principles
Functions of Media in Ethical System
Source of Information
Need reliable info for a democracy (free flow of ideas)
Problem: media captive of marketplace (produce news not
part of democratic process)
Transmits persuasive communication (ADV, PR)
Produce and transmit mass entertainment
Requirements of a System of Ethics
Shared values
Reach agreement on standards of moral conduct
Wisdom
Reason and experience guide system
People’s rights and obligation to fellow citizens
should be balanced
Justice
No double standards of treatment
Requirements of a System of Ethics
Freedom
Must be free to choose
Should not be coerced
Raise ethical level of consciousness
Accountability
Responsibility for your actions
Formal or informal
Moral Duties
Your responsibilities as a condition of membership in
society
General obligations
Pluralistic obligations
General Obligations
Apply to all members of society
Fundamental duties
Take precedence over others principles
Ex. Don’t steal, lie, cheat, break promises
Secondary duties
Want to adhere to them (don’t trespass, gamble)
More likely to be violated
Particularistic Obligations
Determined by group membership
Roman Catholics have moral duty to refrain from using
artificial birth control
Doctors maintain confidential relationship with patients
Journalists
Particularistic obligations typically based on general
obligations
Commitment to truth and fairness
© B.L. Yates 2000
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