COMM 431, Mass Media Ethics
Instructor: Ross Collins
Midterm Exam Review

(Updated February 2006)

Material covered: Lectures through week seven on syllabus (privacy issues). Leslie text Chapters one through nine. All films, the ethics worksheet, and class assignments. Also review SPJ's code of ethics from codes of ethics resource page.

General comments: About four of the 22 multiple choice questions are taken directly from the text, based on topics not discussed in class. While you will not be expected to memorize every philosopher's ethical viewpoint, try to become generally familiar with their ideas. Particularly emphasized will be those philosophies discussed in class: Plato, Aristotle, Christian-based, Kant, Mill, Rawls, Ross. The last two are (inexplicably) not discussed in the text. Also review the SAD formula and Bivins worksheet for making ethical decisions. Yannick, who lectured one day to the class, will submit two questions based on his lecture.

General questions to guide you to review areas:

1. Aristotle is associated with what kind of ethical philosophy?

2. What is the Golden Mean?

3. Why do ethics philosophers encourage journalists to tell the truth?

4. "Everyone has the right to his or her opinion." What is the problem with this approach to ethical reasoning?

5. Making decisions on a "case-by-case" basis without general guidelines is called?

6. Medieval philosopher Peter Abelard recommended that we consider what when evaluating ethical decisions?

7. Explain deontological, or “duty-based” ethics.

8. Which philosopher is most associated with deontological ethics?

9. Philosopher W. D. Ross listed several “duties” of people trying to make ethical decisions. Name and explain two.

10.Considering the presidential candidate at "Cozy Condos" video case, as discussed in class, what are two conflicting values journalists consider in making an ethical decision?

11. Describe two reasons why former journalist Stephen Glass was able to get by with publishing fabricated stories for "The New Republic," as reflected in the film "Shattered Glass."

12. John Stuart Mill is associated with which ethical system, deontological or teleological. Explain each.

13. Ethics based on “greatest good for greatest number” are called

14. What was the main issue in the cartoons of Muhammad case?

15.The First Amendment gives mass media people the right to publish, but it is not a value. Why not?

16. In our "lying" exercise, many students in the class justified their lies because...?

17. Decision to publish sensitive material involves an exchange of power between those who have information, and those who don’t. The media becomes the facilitator of that exchange. In the case of a senator who was accused of sexually harassing several female employees, explain how publication of that information shifts power from one group to another.

18. Name two of the five recommendations of the Hutchins Commission.

19. In the case of the Muhammed cartoon, name two claimants, and describe how you, as editor of a publication making a decision concerning the issue, are obligated to each.

20. the "Un-Golden Rule" is associated with which philosopher?

21. Suppose you decide to publish the cartoon of Muhammad. How would you defend your decision?

22. The SAD formula asks you to make what three steps in coming to an ethical decision?

23. What is Kant’s Categorical Imperative?