This presentation elaborates on Chapter 8 - Making Moral Decisions You Can Defend - of The Ethical Journalist by Gene Foreman. It discusses using a 10-question template to help you make ethical decisions as a journalist.

1. CHAPTER 8:
MAKING MORAL
DECISIONS
• How to gather, analyze and judge
facts
• How critical thinking is better than a
purely emotional response
• How a 10-question template can
help you make better decisions

2. Use a Logical Process
Fromzimbio.com
Logical = a proper or reasonable way of thinking

3. Use a Logical Process
Same steps in reporting:
1. Gather facts.
2. Analyze the facts.
3. Judge the facts.
By Cory Doctorow

4. The Goal of the Process
• A logical decision
• A thoughtful decision
ByRenaudCamus

5. Why Use a System
• Stop, think and
make better
choices
• Use a step-by-step
template for more
efficient decisions By Alan Cleaver

6. 4 Tools in the Process
1. Classic ethical theories:
A. Ends-based thinking
Greatest good for the most people
B. Rule-based thinking
Follow the rule.
C. Golden Rule
Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.
D. Aristotle’s Golden
Mean
Avoid extremes. Compromise.
By Flickr user VCalsidyrose

7. 4 Tools in the Process
2. Professional
standards:
A. SPJ Code of
Ethics
B. Myanmar
Media Code of
Conduct

8. 4 Tools in the Process
3. Critical thinking:
• Apply logic to available info
• Not just emotion
By Renaud Ca

9. Role of emotion
“The stench test”
Apply critical thinking.
n Cleaver and David Goehring

10. 4 Tools in the Process
4. 10-question template, pg. 113:

11. Your turn: Would you print this photo?
Facts:
• Boy injured by
falling furniture.
• Mother waiting for
helicopter.
• Photographer on
public street.
• Mother objected.
Arguments:
1. YES, I would
publish it, and here’s
why:
2. NO, I would not
publish it, and here’s
why:

12. Step 1: Gather Facts
Question 1:
What do I know? What do I need to
know?
10-question template
Photo by sskennel

13. Step 1: Gather Facts
Question 2:
What is my journalistic purpose?
10-question template
ByMM

14. Step 1: Gather Facts
Question 3:
What are my ethical concerns?
10-question template

15. Is It an Ethical Dilemma?
Definition:
conflict in ethical values:
• Telling the truth.
• Keeping your promise.
• Respecting privacy.
• Being fair.
• Minimizing harm.
• Avoiding conflicts of interest.
10-question template
By david pacey

16. Is It a False Ethical Dilemma?
Definition:
conflict between ethical
and nonethical values:
Beating the competition
Raising ratings
Increasing traffic
Selling newspapers
10-question template

17. False Ethical Dilemma
10-question template

18. Step 2: Analyze the Facts
Question 4:
 What newsroom
policies and
professional
guidelines should I
consider?
By Petter Duvander
10-question template

19. Step 2: Analyze the Facts
Question 5:
 How can I ask other people?
An expert on trauma?
10-question template
By woodleywonderworks

20. Step 2: Analyze the Facts
Question 6:
Who is affected? Who are the stakeholders?
10-question template

21. Stakeholders Wheel
HUB = News
SPOKES =
Primary
stakeholders
RIM =
Secondary
stakeholders
Credit: Jacqui Banaszynski
By Flickr user dok1
10-question template

22. Stakeholders Wheel
HUB = News
SPOKES =
Primary
stakeholders:
Mother, family
RIM =
Secondary
stakeholders:
PublicBy Flickr user dok1
10-question template

23. Step 2: Analyze the Facts
Question 7:
How would I feel if
I were one of the
stakeholders?
By Waiting for the Word
10-question template

24. Step 2: Analyze the Facts
Question 8:
 What are the possible consequences?
By Phil Whitehouse
10-question template

25. Step 2: Analyze the Facts
Question 9:
 What are my alternatives?
By Image Editor
10-question template

26. Step 3: Judge
Question 10:
Can I justify my
decision?
10-question template
By StockMonkeys.com

27. Your turn: Would you print this photo?
Facts:
• Boy injured by
falling furniture.
• Mother waiting for
helicopter.
• Photographer on
public street.
• Mother objected.
Arguments:
1. YES, I would
publish it, and here’s
why:
2. NO, I would not
publish it, and here’s
why:

28. Your turn: Would you print this photo?
Arguments:
1. YES:
• Ends-based: greatest
good to most – a
warning
• Rule-based: I publish
all true info
• Golden Mean: ???
2. NO:
• Golden Rule: I
wouldn’t want it
published if I were
the mom.
• SPJ Code: Minimizes
harm to mom
10-question template
Write a memo of four
paragraphs:
1. Background of the case
(the facts)
2. The ethical theories
and process you used
(listed to the right and 10-
question template)
3. Alternatives with pros
and cons
4. Recommended action

29. Testing Your Decision
What if your thinking were on the
front page?
10-question template
Photo from The Irrawaddy

30. ByDinJimenez
Testing Your Decision
What would your mom think?
10-question template

31. Testing Your Decision
Would a jury think you were fair?
10-question template
By Matt Freedman

32. Your turn: Would you print this photo?
Arguments:
1. YES:
• Ends-based: greatest
good to most – a
warning
• Rule-based: I publish
all true info
• Golden Mean: ???
2. NO:
• Golden Rule: I
wouldn’t want it
published if I were
the mom.
• SPJ Code: Minimizes
harm to mom
10-question template
Write a memo of four
paragraphs:
1. Background of the case
(the facts)
2. The ethical theories
and process you used
(listed to the right and 10-
question template)
3. Alternatives with pros
and cons
4. Recommended action

33. 10-question template