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 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
B
y R
en
au
d C
am
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
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
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
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
ime
ne
z
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