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

Use a Logical Process

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Logical = a proper or reasonable way of thinking

Use a Logical Process Same steps in reporting:

1. Gather facts.

2. Analyze the facts.

3. Judge the facts.

By Cory Doctorow

The Goal of the Process

• A logical decision

• A thoughtful decision

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us

Why Use a System

• Stop, think and

make better

choices

• Use a step-by-step

template for more

efficient decisions By Alan Cleaver

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

4 Tools in the Process 2. Professional

standards:

A. SPJ Code of

Ethics

B. Myanmar

Media Code of

Conduct

4 Tools in the Process

3. Critical thinking:

• Apply logic to available info

• Not just emotion

By Renaud Camus

Role of emotion • “The stench test”

• Apply critical thinking.

By Alan Cleaver and David Goehring

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

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:

Step 1: Gather Facts Question 1:

What do I know? What do I need to

know?

10-question template

Photo by sskennel

Step 1: Gather Facts Question 2:

What is my journalistic purpose?

10-question template

By M

M

Step 1: Gather Facts Question 3:

What are my ethical concerns?

10-question template

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

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

False Ethical Dilemma

10-question template

Step 2: Analyze the Facts

Question 4:

What newsroom policies and professional guidelines should I consider?

By Petter Duvander

10-question template

Step 2: Analyze the Facts Question 5:

How can I ask other people?

An expert on trauma?

10-question template

By woodleywonderworks

Step 2: Analyze the Facts Question 6:

Who is affected? Who are the stakeholders?

10-question template

Stakeholders Wheel

HUB = News

SPOKES =

Primary

stakeholders

RIM =

Secondary

stakeholders

Credit: Jacqui Banaszynski

By Flickr user dok1

10-question template

Stakeholders Wheel

HUB = News

SPOKES =

Primary

stakeholders:

Mother, family

RIM =

Secondary

stakeholders:

Public

Credit: Jacqui Banaszynski

By Flickr user dok1

10-question template

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

Step 2: Analyze the Facts

Question 8:

What are the possible consequences? By Phil Whitehouse

10-question template

Step 2: Analyze the Facts Question 9:

What are my alternatives?

By Image Editor

10-question template

Step 3: Judge

Question 10:

Can I justify my

decision?

10-question template

By StockMonkeys.com

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:

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

Testing Your Decision

What if your thinking were on the front page?

10-question template

Photo from The Irrawaddy

By D

in J

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Testing Your Decision

What would your mom think?

10-question template

Testing Your Decision Would a jury think you were fair?

10-question template

By Matt Freedman

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

10-question template