PHI 211 - Media Ethics

In the information age, media play an increasingly large role in our lives. Our notion of living in a global society is largely shaped by media. What is responsible journalism? Does violent programming contribute to violence in America? What are professional ethics and how should they guide media practitioners? We will discuss these questions by examining key ethical values in media such as: privacy, confidentiality, truth telling, conflicts of interest, and social responsibility. We will also explore some fundamental issues in ethical theory such as: Why be ethical? What is ethics? How do ethical theories differ? What are the best ways to evaluate and apply ethical theories to media controversies today? The course is designed for majors in philosophy, media studies, and communication as well as other interested students.

Prerequisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Credits: 3

Meets the Following Core Requirement: Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship
Course Typically Offered:
Course Type: Philosophy