03.00 Introduction to Ethics

     The difference between right and wrong is what ethics is all about. Ethics is the idea of doing the thing that makes sense for everyone involved. It may not always be the thing that someone wants, but it's focuses on the actions beyond the initial action that is really the ethical part. If your friend is bullying another kid, the ethical thing to do would be to tell an adult. It's only right that people know your friend is the bully, and they can put a stop to him. But you friend won't be happy with you if your the one who told on him. We as a friend need to distinguish the right answer in this dilemma. By telling on your friend, he may be upset with you but it is only ethical that you help the person being bullying more.
     An ethical person is someone who does the right thing in all situations. In the situation of your friend giving out personal information on the web, someone who is truly ethical would need to sit back and think about all options and the consequence of them. If you sit back and don't say anything to your friend's parents, than she runs the risk of getting herself into more trouble and possibly lots of danger. On the other hand, if you do tell your friend's parents than they can step in and keep their daughter safe. But that is all on the surface. In option one, if you don't say a thing your are putting your friend in a huge risk of getting involved with some seriously dangerous people. In option two, your friend may become very mad at you for saying something. She may even stop being your friend, but you have to think that your could be saving her life. The ethical thing to do here is telling your friend's parents. It has more positive outcomes in the end.
     Ethics and writing go hand in hand. It seems pretty simple, ethical journalism is journalism reported accurately. If someone murdered another, it is only ethical to report it to the public. The public needs to know that they are in danger, but is it always right to print negative news? That's why news organizations construct a code of ethics. Journalists need to remember their moral guidelines while reporting and keep in mind everyone that could be reading their article or broadcast.

Unknown. FLVS. July 2, 2012. Lesson 03.00 Introduction to Ethics. July 2, 2012. From: http://learn.flvs.net/educator/student/frame.cgi?mmaguire5*taylorgeraghty*mpos=1&spos=0&option=hidemenu&slt=W0ST6v/S2lNeU*3493*http://learn.flvs.net/webdav/educator_journalism1_v11/index.htm