love, death, etc.

To Meghan, Asleep in Ethics Class

2012-01-31T21:54:00.002-05:00

What's Meghan's apparent attitude toward ethics? What does the poet think of her attitude? Is Meghan's attitude toward class and her social role as a student ethical? Why or why not? Is Meghan a potential Stephen Glass? Explain.

(Don't treat this as just another task to get through. Use some thought. I don't wish to read anymore any three- or four-line responses submitted at the last minute.)

Please respond by 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7.

TO MEGHAN, ASLEEP IN ETHICS CLASS
As if what people are is all they’ll ever be
you close your eyes
and it’s suddenly night everywhere and always

nothing can reach you not even

the agitated ghosts of ancient philosophers
swirling around our hot basement classroom
but to you it’s just words love death etc.

so why wake you to see the firelight

beating frantically on the walls of Plato’s cave
when your sleeping face is beautifully composed
like that of a fairy-tale princess

with a piece of poisoned apple caught in her throat

Ethics & e-commerce

2012-01-27T08:56:00.002-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/27/technology/for-2-a-star-a-retailer-gets-5-star-reviews.html?_r=1&hp

The Paper

2012-01-25T07:19:00.000-05:00

Please answer question #3 under The Paper on page 165 of our text. Your response is due by Tuesday, January 31, at 4 p.m..

Being First vs Being Right

2012-01-22T09:53:00.002-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/22/us/paterno-false-report/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

Afghan War Non-Coverage

2011-12-26T09:39:00.000-05:00

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/25/afghanistan-low-on-news-agenda/?emc=eta1

Covering Rape

2011-11-21T13:15:00.002-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/20/opinion/sunday/confusing-sex-and-rape.html?_r=1&ref=pennsylvaniastateuniversity

ethics of occupy movement coverage

2011-11-21T08:27:00.001-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/21/business/media/occupy-wall-street-puts-the-coverage-in-the-spotlight.html?hp

Pope kissing ad

2011-11-16T22:53:00.002-05:00

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-11-16/pope-kiss-benetton/51245428/1?csp=34news&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+usatoday-NewsTopStories+%28News+-+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/story/2011-11-16/benetton-fake--kissing-ads/51244712/1

Dead Babies (Tsunami) Dead Body (Car Crash)

2011-11-10T14:07:00.003-05:00

http://www.123rf.com/photo_9944957_injured-woman-and-dead-body-after-a-car-accident.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9gn6KLa5xtY/S1uC-brU6JI/AAAAAAAAFpE/hcV2cA8mE4w/s400/Tsunami2004FrontPageNYTimesPhotoOfWomanWithDeadBabies

Mathew Brady's War Photos

2011-11-09T15:46:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koLnFvPaya0&feature=relmfu

cain scandal coverage

2011-11-08T13:47:00.003-05:00

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/culture/2011/11/4051970/friars-club-herman-cain-accusation-gets-full-blown-celebrity-scandal

Online Sex Ads

2011-10-31T06:57:00.002-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/31/business/media/backpagecom-confronts-new-fight-over-online-sex-ads.html?hp

STEALTH ADVERTISING!

2011-10-28T06:51:00.002-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/28/business/media/new-show-steps-up-product-placement.html?_r=1&hp

Limbaugh: Beyond Partisanship

2011-10-17T18:30:00.000-04:00

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/limbaugh-defends-lords-resistance-army/?hp

Conflict of Interest (Fashion Writing)

2011-09-26T08:09:00.003-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/business/media/magazines-begin-to-sell-the-fashion-they-review.html?_r=1&ref=business

Bad Media Coverage of Wall St Protest

2011-09-25T20:17:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtrmRgmgt4&feature=youtu.be

Commercial Campus

2011-09-10T22:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/business/at-colleges-the-marketers-are-everywhere.html?hp

Exploiting 9/11?

2011-09-05T07:32:00.000-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/05/business/media/media-outlets-walk-fine-line-in-911-anniversary-coverage.html?_r=1&hp

Masters of the Media

2011-08-29T22:45:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m-g3UmkmHs&feature=player_embedded

Hype in News Media

2011-08-29T22:42:00.002-04:00

http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/top-stories/144310/the-6-criteria-for-hype-why-hurricane-irene-coverage-does-not-meet-them/

Spring 2011 Videos on Ethical Cases

2011-05-10T18:14:00.003-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kt6YyPB8iY&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

http://vimeo.com/23897465

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrDz5EoLxUY

FINAL BLOG RESPONSE - SPRING 2011

2011-05-04T10:10:00.003-04:00

Please read the Afterword to the text. Also consult the link below:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/apr/04/morality-drugs-improve-ethical-behaviour

Answer in the space provided for one blog post whether something essential would be lost if moral behavior was determined by a pill rather than free will. What would that essential thing be? Why would losing it be unfortunate? Or, if you disagree with that premise, explain why a pill is the way to go.

Your response is due by Tues., May 10, at 4 p.m. No superficial answers, please.

Empathy

2011-04-20T09:27:00.000-04:00

Under "Links of Interest. . . " on this blog, you'll find a poem by W. H. Auden titled "Musee des Beaux Arts." By 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, please post a comment as to how the poem relates to the problem of feeling empathy for others discussed in my chapter in our text on journalism and victims of war.

What Makes the Hottentot So Hot?

2011-04-06T22:58:00.000-04:00

Have you ever failed to voice your opinion because you feared the consequences? What was the situation (try to make it a significant one, and if possible, related to social ethics)? Why didn't you have the courage to speak (don't pick a situation where you wouldn't be expected to speak -- for example, as a child)? Please post your response by 4 p.m. Tues., April 12.

(Bonus: What's the source of the above question? And what's the answer to it?)

WikiLeaks

2011-03-30T18:26:00.002-04:00

Please give your impression of the NY Times reporter who spoke about WikiLeaks. You might do so from the perspective of Howard Gardner's concept of "good work" or Lorraine Code's concept of "epistemic responsibility." Your response is due by Tuesday, 4 p.m.

And the Oscar Goes to. . .

2011-03-14T10:18:00.001-04:00

By 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, please do the following:

1) Visit the media ethics video projects at the link below:

http://thelittlerebellion.com/index.php/category/opinion/ethics/

2) Decide which video you'd award a Socrates -- our version of the Oscar -- for "Best Video on an Ethics Case"

3) Explain why, being sure to consider (a) the organization of the presentation; (b) the appropriateness of the decision-making model applied to the case; (c) the clarity and completeness with which the model was applied to the case; and (d) the artistic merit of it.

Wag More, Bark Less

2011-03-02T11:50:00.001-05:00

As a rule, journalists should always question the ethics of politicians and public relations practitioners because these two groups consistently have their own best interests at heart," Berrin Beasely writes in her essay, "Political Manipulation of the Media: Wag the Dog." Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Please respond by Wed., March 9, 4 p.m. No late responses will be accepted.

Undercover Reporting

2011-02-23T08:26:00.002-05:00

Would Joe Saltzman approve of the reporting methods described in the article "Did Spokane paper act properly?" Why or why not (draw on the assigned chapter for your answer)?

Your response is due Tuesday by 4 p.m. No exceptions.

Good Work

2011-02-15T20:41:00.000-05:00

Please answer question #3 on page 167 of our text by 4 p.m. Tuesday.

To Meghan, Asleep in Ethics Class

2011-02-09T13:05:00.002-05:00

What's Meghan's apparent attitude toward ethics? What does the poet think of her attitude? Is Meghan's attitude toward class and her social role as a student ethical? Why or why not? Is Meghan a potential Stephen Glass? Explain.

(Don't treat this as just another task to get through. Use some thought. I don't wish to read anymore any three- or four-line responses submitted at the last minute.)

Please respond by 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15.

TO MEGHAN, ASLEEP IN ETHICS CLASS
As if what people are is all they’ll ever be
you close your eyes
and it’s suddenly night everywhere and always

nothing can reach you not even

the agitated ghosts of ancient philosophers
swirling around our hot basement classroom
but to you it’s just words love death etc.

so why wake you to see the firelight

beating frantically on the walls of Plato’s cave
when your sleeping face is beautifully composed
like that of a fairy-tale princess

with a piece of poisoned apple caught in her throat

The Paper

2011-01-26T08:49:00.001-05:00

Please answer question #3 under The Paper on page 165 of our text. Your response is due by Tuesday, Feb 1., by 4 p.m.

Media Ethics/Spring 2011

2011-01-20T20:32:00.003-05:00

Please say hello by leaving a comment to this post. Tell me something about yourself that you think it would be helpful for me to know. It can be related to ethics, but doesn't have to be. I should hear from you by Tuesday, Jan. 25, at 4 p.m.

Final Blog Response - Fall 2010

2010-11-29T12:40:00.001-05:00

How has your concept of media ethics (and of ethics in general) changed since the beginning of the semester? What accounts for the change? Is the change valuable? And if your concept hasn't changed, why hasn't it? Does that mean ethics is unteachable? What are the consequences of that for society?

Your response should be as detailed and complete as space for a blog comment allows. It's due by Sunday, Dec. 5, by 6 p.m.

Before responding, read the "Afterword" to our textbook. Please be thoughtful in your response. Grammatical, too.

Empathy

2010-11-22T13:02:00.001-05:00

Under "Links of Interest. . . " on this blog, you'll find a poem by W. H. Auden titled "Musee des Beaux Arts." By 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, please post a comment as to how the poem relates to the problem of feeling empathy for others discussed in my chapter in our text on journalism and victims of war.

Courage Under Fire

2010-11-03T23:28:00.002-04:00

Who is Chauncey Bailey? Veronica Guerin? What is their significance to media ethics? Were they courageous or reckless? What is the role -- if any -- of courage in personal and professional ethics?

Please respond by Sunday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m.

"What Makes the Hottentot So Hot? "

2010-11-01T10:38:00.001-04:00

Have you ever failed to voice your opinion because you feared the consequences? What was the situation (try to make it a significant one, and if possible, related to social ethics)? Why didn't you have the courage to speak (don't pick a situation where you wouldn't be expected to speak -- for example, as a child)? Please post your response by 6 p.m. Wed., Nov, 3.

(Bonus: What's the source of the above question? And what's the answer to it?)

Case Study

2010-10-28T15:04:00.002-04:00

Please identify the case you'd most like to do as a group project and what you perceive as its key ethical issue or issues (by Sunday, 6 p.m.)

Public Relations Ethics

2010-10-24T22:12:00.004-04:00

Please read the following article and respond to it from an ethical perspective (with reference to recognized principles) by Wednesday at 6 p.m.

http://bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20101020mass_pr_flacks_raking_in_64m_critics_slam_bloated_payroll_of_nearly_100/srvc=home&position=6

Wag More, Bark Less

2010-10-14T16:01:00.004-04:00

"As a rule, journalists should always question the ethics of politicians and public relations practitioners because these two groups consistently have their own best interests at heart," Berrin Beasely writes in her essay, "Political Manipulation of the Media: Wag the Dog." Do you agree or disagree? Why?

And the Oscar Goes to. . .

2010-10-07T13:06:00.002-04:00

Deception

2010-10-04T09:08:00.003-04:00

Would Joe Saltzman approve of the reporting in the case "Undercover at Big Nell's"? Why or why not (draw on the assigned chapter for your answer)?

Your response is due Wednesday by 6 p.m. No exceptions.

Good Work (continued)

2010-09-30T13:18:00.003-04:00

Who or what was to blame for Stephen Glass' deceptions making it into print? Was there any way to prevent what happened? Do you think another episode like it could occur? Why?

Please respond by 6 p.m., Sunday.

Also please follow the link below and read the column, provided courtesy of Brandon, for our discussion Monday:

http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=101&aid=191777

What Is Good Work?

2010-09-28T09:19:00.002-04:00

Please answer question #3 on page 167 of our text by 6 p.m. Wednesday.

To Meghan, Asleep in Ethics Class

2010-09-19T22:49:00.004-04:00

What's Meghan's apparent attitude toward ethics? What does the poet think of her attitude? Is Meghan's attitude toward class and her social role as a student ethical? Why or why not? Is Meghan a potential Stephen Glass? Explain.

(Don't treat this as just another task to get through. Use some thought. I don't wish to read anymore any three- or four-line responses submitted at the last minute.)

Please respond by 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22.

TO MEGHAN, ASLEEP IN ETHICS CLASS
As if what people are is all they’ll ever be
you close your eyes
and it’s suddenly night everywhere and always

nothing can reach you not even

the agitated ghosts of ancient philosophers
swirling around our hot basement classroom
but to you it’s just words love death etc.

so why wake you to see the firelight

beating frantically on the walls of Plato’s cave
when your sleeping face is beautifully composed
like that of a fairy-tale princess

with a piece of poisoned apple caught in her throat

Codes of Ethics

2010-09-15T23:18:00.003-04:00

Carefully read the SPJ and PRSA codes of ethics (they can be found under Links on the class blog).

Journalism majors: Do you believe the SPJ code provides adequate ethical guidance for journalists? Why or why not? Do you think awareness of the code might have prevented Stephen Glass' fabrications? Explain.

PR concentrators: Do you believe the PRSA code provides adequate ethical guidance for PR professionals? Why or why not? Do you believe it is followed by PR professionals? Explain.

Others can choose to answer either/or.

Your response is due no later than 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18.

Leaps of Faith

2010-09-13T07:22:00.005-04:00

Please follow the link below to an article in the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/opinion/18pubed-web.html

After reading the article, discuss how it illustrates the obstacles to journalistic truth-telling that Borden enumerates in her chapter on The Paper in our text. Be as specific as possible.

Your response is due Wednesday, Sept. 15, by 4 p.m. No late responses will be accepted.

The Paper

2010-09-06T13:34:00.003-04:00

Please answer question #3 under The Paper on page 165 of our text. Your response is due by Sunday, Sept. 12, by 9 a.m.

Should we talk about this Monday?
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2010/09/09/when-a-fringe-figure-becomes-news?hp

Wiki-gate?

2010-08-29T23:58:00.004-04:00

Please follow the link below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/world/asia/30wiki.html?emc=eta1

After reading the story, identify what you see as the ethical conflict. Which side do you sympathize with? Why? Cite an ethical principle or reason for your decision.

Your response is due by 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept 1.

Please remember that I accept no late assignments.

http://costofwar.com/

http://icasualties.org/oef/

Life 101

2010-08-25T10:45:00.001-04:00

In his book, A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, philosophy professor William Irvine says many people have trouble naming their grand goal in living. Do you? In other words, of the things in life you might pursue -- fame, fortune, love, self-realization, social change, escape, wisdom, power -- which is the thing you believe to be most valuable? Why? Do you consider the thing to be ethical? Is that part of why you desire it.

Your response is due by 6 p.m, Sunday, August 29. Remember, no late responses.

What Is Ethical? How Do You Know?

2010-08-22T09:21:00.001-04:00

How do you judge what is and isn't ethical?

What do you use for standards?

Are there specific steps you go through to decide?

(Don't be shy about reading each other's responses or using them as stepping-stones for your own reflections. This blog is about having a dialogue. If I jump in, don't be alarmed. I'm just doing my job as I see it.)

Your response is due by Wednesday, August 25, by 6 p.m.

Final Blog Post Spring 2010

2010-04-29T23:45:00.003-04:00

How has your concept of media ethics (and of ethics in general) changed since the beginning of the semester? What accounts for the change? Is the change valuable? And if your concept hasn't changed, why hasn't it? Does that mean ethics is unteachable? What are the consequences of that for society?

Your response should be as detailed and complete as space for a blog comment allows. It's due by 4:45 p.m., Thursday, May 17.

Before responding, read the "Afterword" to our textbook. Please be thoughtful in your response. Grammatical, too.

What Makes the Hottentot So Hot? (Courage)

2010-04-26T09:42:00.001-04:00

Have you ever failed to voice your opinion because you feared the consequences? What was the situation (try to make it a significant one)? Why didn't you have the courage to speak (don't pick a situation where you wouldn't be expected to speak -- for example, as a child)? Please post your response by 4 p.m. on Wed., April 28.

Empathy

2010-04-07T23:18:00.002-04:00

Under "Links of Interest. . . " on this blog, you'll find a poem by W. H. Auden titled "Musee des Beaux Arts." By 4 p.m. Sunday, April 18, please post a comment as to how the poem relates to the problem of feeling empathy for others discussed in my chapter in our text on journalism and victims of war.

Photojournalism on the Ropes?

2010-04-01T08:25:00.002-04:00

Please follow the link below. Read the article. By 8 p.m., Sunday, April 4, please explain why or why not the development the article describes furthers or hampers media ethics.

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/a-financial-crunch-for-photojournalists-is-transforming-the-profession/?scp=1&sq=photojournalism&st=cse

Study Guide

2010-03-08T11:42:00.003-05:00

The first five to post should describe what kind of issues the TARES model is best suited to and what the acronym TARES stands for.

The next five should describe the difference between prima facie duties and duty proper and identify the philosopher associated with these concepts.

The next five should describe the difference between rule and act utilitarianism and identify the philosophers associated with each.

The next five should define the first and second formulations of the Categorical Imperative and identify the philosopher associated with this principle.

The last five to post should describe describe the difference between the Golden Rule and the Golden Mean (and the philosopher associated with the latter). And for your tardiness, should also explain:

1. What "phrenemos" is or means?

2. What "narrative fidelty" is or means?

All responses are due by Wednesday, March 10, 4 p.m.

Group Project

2010-03-07T10:17:00.003-05:00

By 9 p.m., Wed., March 9, a representative from each group should post a description of what the group sees as the key ethical issue or issues in their case. The representative should also specify which ethical decision-making model the group is considering applying to the issue or issues. It's important for the clarity and cohesiveness of the group presentation that only one decision-making model be selected. Explain as far as you can why this model seems appropriate.

And the Oscar Goes to. . .

2010-02-25T09:06:00.002-05:00

By noon, Sunday, Feb. 28, please do the following:

1) Visit the class video projects by groups from previous semesters (you'll find them on the blog)

2) Decide which one you'd award a Socrates -- our version of the Oscar -- for "Best Video on an Ethics Case"

3) Explain why, being sure to consider (a) the organization of the presentation; (b) the appropriateness of the decision-making model applied to the case; (c) the clarity and completeness with which the model was applied to the case; and (d) the artistic merit of it

Liar, Liar

2010-02-21T21:49:00.001-05:00

Is a journalist ever justified to use deceptive means to get a story? Why or why not? Please respond by 4 p.m., Wed., Feb. 24. Draw on Saltzman's chapter and our discussions in class to support your position.

Undercover at Big Nell's

2010-02-17T08:36:00.003-05:00

Read the handout "Undercover at Big Nell's." Now, with the Potter Box in mind, consider which values are in conflict in the case (in the context of the Potter Box, values are those things we care about or cherish and are willing to sacrifice other things to achieve or maintain; for example, we sacrifice a news-maker's privacy because we value it less than the public's right to know). Also cite a recognized ethical principle -- Aristotle's Golden Mean, the Principle of Utility, the Categorical Imperative, etc. -- that to your mind either justifies or condemns the paper's actions in this case. Explain why.

Please respond by Sunday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m.

Good Work

2010-02-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

Please respond to question #3 under ABSENCE OF MALICE on page 167 of our text. Deadline for your response is noon Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Shattered Glass (2)

2010-02-07T12:54:00.000-05:00

Please respond to question #2 on p. 166 of our text. Your response should be posted by noon on Wednesday.

Shattered Glass

2010-02-04T00:39:00.002-05:00

Is a journalist ever justified to not seek and report the truth? How about PR professionals? Are they entitled to distort and lie by virtue of their jobs? Why or why not? Please respond by noon, Sunday, Feb. 7 .

TO MEGHAN, ASLEEP IN ETHICS CLASS (originally published in Silenced Press)

2010-02-01T08:58:00.002-05:00

What's Meghan's apparent attitude toward ethics? What does the poet think of her attitude? Do you think the poet is right to be upset with Meghan? Why or why not? (The comments posted in the past in response to these questions have sometimes disappointed and surprised me with their lack of self-reflection. Don't treat this as just another task to get through -- think about what the poem is saying about ethical unawareness and those who cling to it.)

Please respond by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3.

TO MEGHAN, ASLEEP IN ETHICS CLASS
As if what people are is all they’ll ever be
you close your eyes
and it’s suddenly night everywhere and always

nothing can reach you not even

the agitated ghosts of ancient philosophers
swirling around our hot basement classroom
but to you it’s just words love death etc.

so why wake you to see the firelight

beating frantically on the walls of Plato’s cave
when your sleeping face is beautifully composed
like that of a fairy-tale princess

with a piece of poisoned apple caught in her throat

Life 101

2010-01-15T22:58:00.001-05:00

In his book, A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, philosophy professor William Irvine says many people have trouble naming their grand goal in living. Do you? In other words, of the things in life you might pursue -- fame, fortune, love, self-realization, change, escape, wisdom, power -- which is the thing you believe to be most valuable? Why? Do you consider the thing in ethical terms? Is it its ethicality that makes it desirable?

Your response is due by noon, Wed., Jan. 27.

Final Exam Question

2009-11-11T11:51:00.005-05:00

Below are three texts that I imported when I first began this blog a couple of years ago. You should read them all before attempting to do the final exam.

The second entry, A QUESTION FOR SOCRATES, begins with a quote from one of Plato's Dialogues: “Can you tell me, Socrates, whether virtue is acquired by teaching or by practice; or if neither by teaching nor practice, then whether it comes to man by nature, or in what other way?” Reflecting on what we've done in class this semester, and what, if anything, you've learned from it, please answer the question above for Socrates. You should be as specific as possible. That is, what have you learned that proves ethics can be taught? How did you learn it? Can you suggest other ways to teach it (such as movie clips, case studies, "war stories")? And if you didn't learn anything, then why not? Does this mean ethics is unteachable? What are the consequences of that for society?

Much to think about. Many possible answers.

Your response should be 3-pages long, double-spaced, and in hard copy. (NO DIGITAL COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THE FINAL.)It should be handed in to me or given to the departmental secretary no later than Wed., Dec. 16, at 4:45 p.m.

What Puts the Musk in Muskrat? Courage

2009-10-28T08:07:00.003-04:00

Have you ever failed to voice your opinion because you feared the consequences? What was the situation (try to make it a significant one)? Why didn't you have the courage to speak? After reading all the handouts related to Chauncey Bailey and the chapter in the text on crime reporting, please post your response by 4 p.m. Tues., Nov. 3.

(Remember that outlines -- or storyboards, if you're so inclined -- of your presentations are due by Wednesday, Nov. 4, before the start of class.)

Empathy

2009-10-14T15:36:00.002-04:00

Under "Links of Interest. . . " on this blog, you'll find a poem by W. H. Auden titled "Musee des Beaux Arts." By 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, please post a comment as to how the poem relates to the problem of feeling empathy for others.

Moral Philosophers and Their Works

2009-09-29T22:27:00.001-04:00

Due noon, Tuesday, Oct. 6: Please briefly explain the difference between act and rule utilitarianism. Identify the philosopher associated with each. In the same post but a separate paragraph, also explain the difference between prima facie duties and duty proper, and identify the philosopher who developed these ideas. Finally, in a third paragraph, identify and briefly explain the three steps of the Bok model.

Use the class handouts to help answer the question.

Wag the Dog

2009-09-23T12:18:00.000-04:00

Respond to question #3 on p. 166 of text by noon, Tuesday, Sept. 29. Journalism majors and PR majors should respond only to the parts of the question that apply specifically to them.

Group Project

2009-09-22T14:32:00.001-04:00

After meeting and discussing your case, a representative from each group should e-mail me by noon, Tuesday, Sept. 29, the following:

1) What the group sees as the major ethical issue in their case (privacy vs. public's right to know; ends vs. means; truth-telling vs. spin, etc).

2) Whether the group approves or disapproves of how the media acted in the case.

3) What ethical criteria or principles the group intends to use to judge the case (please consult text, notes, and handouts).

Your response should be as complete and clearly written as possible. This will be first specific recorded grade.

And the Oscar Goes to. . .

2009-09-15T12:06:00.001-04:00

By noon, Tuesday, Sept. 22, please do the following:

1) Visit the class projects by groups from previous semesters

2) Decide which one you'd award a Socrates -- our version of the Oscar -- for "Best Video on an Ethics Case"

3) Explain why, being sure to consider (a) the organization of the presentation; (b)the appropriateness of the decision-making model applied to the case; (c) the clarity and completeness with which the model was applied to the case; and(d) the artistic merit of the overall presentation.

Good Work (Absence of Malice)

2009-09-08T11:39:00.000-04:00

Please respond to question #3 under ABSENCE OF MALICE on page 167 of our text. Deadline for your response is noon Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Shattered

2009-09-01T13:47:00.001-04:00

Who or what was to blame for Stephen Glass' deceptions making it into print? Why did certain people not exercise "epistemic responsibility"? What needs to happen to prevent something like this from occurring again?

Please respond by noon, Tuesday, Sept. 8.

To Meghan, Asleep in Ethics Class

2009-08-25T23:51:00.005-04:00

What's Meghan's apparent attitude toward ethics? What does the poet think of her attitude? Whose point of view do you find yourself sympathizing with? Why? (The comments posted in the past in response to these questions have sometimes disappointed and surprised me with their lack of self-reflection. Truly think about what the poem is saying about ethical unawareness and those who cling to it.) Respond by noon Tuesday, Sept 1.

TO MEGHAN, ASLEEP IN ETHICS CLASS
As if what people are is all they’ll ever be
you close your eyes
and it’s suddenly night everywhere and always

nothing can reach you not even

the agitated ghosts of ancient philosophers
swirling around our hot basement classroom
but to you it’s just words love death etc.

so why wake you to see the firelight

beating frantically on the walls of Plato’s cave
when your sleeping face is beautifully composed
like that of a fairy-tale princess

with a piece of poisoned apple caught in her throat

Originally published in Silenced Press

What Is Ethical? How Do You Know?

2009-08-18T00:25:00.003-04:00

How do you judge what is and isn't ethical? What do you use for standards? Are there specific steps you go through to decide? Don't be shy about reading each other's responses or using them as stepping-stones for your own reflections. Responses are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25. (Sorry, but no credit will be given this semester for late responses.)

Final Post of Spring '09 Media Ethics

2009-04-30T00:37:00.004-04:00

Has your view of ethics changed since the start of the semester? If so, how? If not, why not? Or, to put it another way, what is the one thing you are most likely to remember or find useful from this class? Please respond by Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Also please make your response more than one or two sentences. You should be as specific and complete as possible, given the limits of the blog format. And don't be shy about engaging each other in dialog if that seems productive. Thanks for an interesting semester. Have a wonderful summer. Stay ethical.

Empathy

2009-04-21T12:23:00.002-04:00

Under "Links of Interest. . . " on this blog, you'll find a poem by W. H. Auden titled "Musee des Beaux Arts." Before class next Tuesday, please post a comment as to how the poem relates to the problem of feeling empathy for others.

Courage Under Fire

2009-03-31T22:42:00.000-04:00

Have you ever failed to voice your opinion because you feared the consequences? What was the situation? Why didn't you have the courage to speak? Please respond prior to class Tues., April 14.

And the Oscar Goes to. . .

2009-03-24T11:23:00.004-04:00

By 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29, please do the following:

1) Visit the class projects by groups from previous semesters

2) Decide which one you'd award a Socrates -- our version of the Oscar -- for "Best Video on an Ethics Case"

3) Explain why, being sure to consider (a) the organization of the presentation; (b)the appropriateness of the decision-making model applied to the case; (c) the clarity and completeness with which the model was applied to the case; and(d) the artistic merit of the overall presentation.

You will be showing the class rough cuts of your own projects on April 28.

Wag the Dog

2009-03-03T12:54:00.001-05:00

Respond to question #3 on p. 166 of text before class on March 24. Journalism majors and PR majors should respond only to the parts of the question that apply specifically to them.

Life 101

2009-02-23T14:50:00.005-05:00

Group Project

2009-02-10T12:14:00.002-05:00

After meeting and discussing your case, each group should e-mail me by the start of class Tuesday, Feb. 17, the following:

1)What the group sees as the major ethical issue in the case (privacy vs. public's right to know; ends vs. means; truth-telling vs. spin, etc).

2)Whether the group approves or disapproves of how media professionals acted in the case.

3) What ethical criteria or principles the group intends to use to judge the case.

Your response should be as complete and clearly written as possible.

Shattered Glass

2009-02-02T18:56:00.000-05:00

Who or what was to blame for Stephen Glass' deceptions making it into print, and what needed to happen to prevent it?

Please respond before class on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

TO MEGHAN, ASLEEP IN ETHICS CLASS (orginally published in Silenced Press)

2009-01-26T14:55:00.003-05:00

What's Meghan's apparent attitude toward ethics? What does the poet think of her attitude? Whose point of view do you find yourself sympathizing with? Why? (The comments posted in the past in response to these questions have sometimes disappointed and surprised me with their lack of self-reflection. Don't treat this as just another task to get through -- think about what the poem is saying about ethical unawareness and those who cling to it.)Respond by noon Tuesday, Feb. 3.

TO MEGHAN, ASLEEP IN ETHICS CLASS
As if what people are is all they’ll ever be
you close your eyes
and it’s suddenly night everywhere and always

nothing can reach you not even

the agitated ghosts of ancient philosophers
swirling around our hot basement classroom
but to you it’s just words love death etc.

so why wake you to see the firelight

beating frantically on the walls of Plato’s cave
when your sleeping face is beautifully composed
like that of a fairy-tale princess

with a piece of poisoned apple caught in her throat

What Is Ethical? How Do You Know?

2009-01-15T09:38:00.002-05:00

How do you judge what is and isn't ethical?
What do you use for standards?
Are there specific steps you go through to decide?
(Don't be shy about reading each other's responses or using them as stepping-stones for your own reflections.)
Your response is due by Wednesday, August 25, by 6 p.m.

Final Post of Fall '09 Media Ethics

2008-12-10T11:42:00.006-05:00

What is ethics? Why be ethical? How do you make ethical decisions? And now the real question: How has your view of these things changed over the semester and why? Respond by Monday, Dec. 15, at noon.

Courage Under Fire '08

2008-11-26T16:55:00.003-05:00

Have you ever failed to voice your opinion because you feared the consequences? What was the situation? Why didn't you have the courage to speak? Please respond prior to class Thurs., Dec. 4.

TV Pregnancy

2008-11-04T14:16:00.004-05:00

A new study links TV content to teen pregnancy. Is this an issue for media ethicists to tackle? If you applied the Potter Box to it, what values would be in contention? If you went behind Rawls' Veil of Ignorance to contemplate the issue, who among the various stakeholders -- teenage viewers, families, Hollywood producers, First Amendment absolutists -- would be the most vulnerable party in the situation? What ethics-based solution would that suggest?

Wag the Dog

2008-10-30T10:20:00.001-04:00

Respond to question #3 on p. 166 of text before class on Monday, Nov. 3. Journalism majors and PR majors should respond only to the parts of the question that apply specifically to them.

Group Project

2008-10-06T20:52:00.002-04:00

Please identify your group, the case the group will be analyzing, and what the group sees as the key ethical issue or issues in the case. If possible, also describe the approach -- that is, the model (Potter Box, Theory of Pluralistic Values, SPJ Code, etc.), principle, mode of reasoning -- you're planning to take to the case.

Good Work

2008-09-22T23:21:00.003-04:00

Please respond to question #3 under ABSENCE OF MALICE on page 167 of our text. Deadline for your response is before noon on Thursday, Oct. 2.

Shattered Glass

2008-09-10T14:37:00.004-04:00

Who or what was to blame for Stephen Glass' deceptions making it into print, and what needed to happen to prevent it?

Please respond before class on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The Paper

2008-08-30T07:58:00.004-04:00

Please answer question #3 under The Paper on page 165 of our text. Your response is due by Sunday, Sept. 12, by 9 a.m.

Courage Under Fire

2008-04-15T23:16:00.002-04:00

Who is Chauncey Bailey and what is his significance to media ethics? Or, to put it another way, is it better to die on your feet (as a journalist? a person?) than to live on your knees?

FINAL ESSAY -- Media Ethics .01 & .02

2008-04-15T08:49:00.003-04:00

Please respond to the following essay prompts in a three-page, double-spaced essay. For Media Ethics .01, a hard copy of the essay is due May 6 at the start of our last class. For Media Ethics .02, a hard copy is due May 1 at the start of our last class.

At the beginning of the semester, I asked, Why be ethical? I also asked, How do you judge what is and isn't ethical? What do you use for ethical standards? Are there specific steps you go through to decide?

Now I'd like to know if your view of ethics and ethical decision-making has changed over the course of the semester, and if so, in what ways and why (and if not, why not). I'd also like to know whether you believe the ethical issues and concepts we discussed will have a lasting affect on your conduct as a media professional. Don't just answer yes or no. Explain your response in some detail.

I'll be impressed if you can incorporate references to some of the terms, priniciples, philosophers, issues, readings, movies, etc., we examined this semester. But it's more important that your response be thoughtful, honest, and to the point.

WAG THE DOG

2008-03-24T21:16:00.003-04:00

Respond to question #3 on p. 166 of text before class on March 24. Journalism majors and PR majors should respond only to the parts of the question that apply specifically to them.

Media Ethics .01

2008-02-26T22:25:00.000-05:00

Please place descriptions of group cases & issues here by next class.

Notice for Media 1.0 & 2.0

2008-02-07T20:49:00.000-05:00

Please postpone doing the Ethics Cases Online assignment till further notice. I need to discuss it with you in class first.

Media Ethics. 01 Duty Proper

2008-02-05T09:45:00.001-05:00

Due Feb. 12: Please briefly explain the difference between act and rule utilitarianism. Identify the philosopher associated with each. In the same post but a separate paragraph, also explain the difference between prima facie duties and duty proper, and identify the philosopher who developed these ideas.

Use the class handouts to help answer the question.

Media Ethics. 02 Duty Proper

2008-02-05T09:41:00.000-05:00

Due Feb. 14: Please briefly explain the difference between act and rule utilitarianism. Identify the philosopher associated with each. In the same post but a separate paragraph, also explain the difference between prima facie duties and duty proper, and identify the philosopher who developed these ideas.

Use the class handouts to help answer the question.