Monday, February 06, 2006

Instructions for your film commentaries

Recapping what I told you last week in class:

Pick your favorite philosopher (choose from those covered in the text and my lectures). Then choose the one ethical problem, from your own "laundry list" or someone else's, that nags at you the hardest. Write 2 to 3 pages, typed and doublespaced, on the problem and what you think your philosopher would have to say about it, as well as the resolution he/she would offer.

It's not enough to be indignant or to scold the unprincipled principals in this story; what's important is coming up with a solution. Avoid the simplistic black-and-white prescriptions such as "well, if Megan hadn't peeked at the file on Rosen's desk in the first place none of this would have happened and Teresa Perone would still be alive. It's a slippery slope, blah blah blah..."

Ideally, this paper should lead you to formation of an ethic or "best practice" you would want yourself and all journalists to follow.

Questions? Ask them in the comments below this post.

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