Deontological ethics

Definition

Deontological ethics is an ethical framework that emphasizes the importance of following rules and duties when making moral decisions, regardless of the outcomes. This approach is rooted in the belief that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, and that individuals have a moral obligation to adhere to these principles. In the realm of narrative journalism, this means that journalists must uphold ethical standards and principles, ensuring truthfulness, fairness, and integrity in their reporting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deontological ethics is often associated with the philosopher Immanuel Kant, who proposed that moral actions must be guided by universal maxims.
2. In narrative journalism, adhering to deontological ethics means prioritizing accuracy and fairness over potential sensationalism or personal gain.
3. This ethical framework can lead to conflicts when journalists face situations where following ethical guidelines might negatively impact individuals or groups.
4. Deontological ethics requires journalists to consider the implications of their reporting on various stakeholders, ensuring a balance between truth and ethical responsibility.
5. Journalists who adopt a deontological perspective may face challenges in situations where strict adherence to rules could clash with the pursuit of deeper truths.

Review Questions

• How does deontological ethics influence decision-making in narrative journalism?
  • Deontological ethics greatly influences decision-making in narrative journalism by providing a set of moral guidelines that journalists must follow. This framework insists on upholding truthfulness, fairness, and integrity in reporting, which helps ensure that journalists act responsibly and ethically. By prioritizing these principles over potential outcomes, journalists maintain public trust and contribute to a more informed society.
• Discuss potential conflicts that may arise from applying deontological ethics in journalism.
  • Applying deontological ethics in journalism can lead to conflicts when adherence to ethical rules clashes with the potential negative consequences of reporting. For example, revealing certain truths may harm individuals or communities involved, creating a dilemma for journalists who prioritize ethical obligations. This tension highlights the need for journalists to carefully weigh their responsibilities and consider how their adherence to deontological principles affects real-world implications.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of using deontological ethics as an ethical framework in narrative journalism.
  • Using deontological ethics as an ethical framework in narrative journalism offers several strengths, such as promoting consistency in ethical decision-making and fostering trust between journalists and their audiences. However, it also has weaknesses; strict adherence to rules may hinder journalistic freedom and limit creativity. Additionally, there can be situations where following these rules could result in harm or injustice, necessitating a more nuanced approach that considers the broader context while still upholding core ethical values.

Related terms

Consequentialism: An ethical theory that determines the morality of an action based on its outcomes or consequences, as opposed to adherence to rules.

Moral Absolutism: The belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that certain actions are always right or wrong.

Duty Ethics: Another term for deontological ethics, focusing on the duty or obligation to perform certain actions regardless of the consequences.