Media Ethics Towards Employing Utilitarianism and Kantian Theory in Examining Practical Ethical Issues

Media Ethics Towards Employing Utilitarianism and Kantian Theory in Examining Practical Ethical Issues In this era of global interactivity and extreme media scrutiny, real-life situations and instances of behaviour that raise ethical issues and moral dilemmas continue to reverberate across all civilizations in the world. The role of the media in disseminating information to people is legion, but arising ethical issues persist to put this important institution in a collision course with germane issues that must be primarily dealt with for responsible practice (Plaisance, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Media Ethics: Towards Employing Utilitarianism and Kantian Theory in Examining Practical Ethical Issues specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These ethical issues put into perspective the need to rely on philosophical thought to decide on the proper course of action. It is the purpose of this paper to utilize both utilitarianism and Kantian theory to critically examine some underlying ethical issues relating to the cla im below: There’s almost no situation in which I’d stop filming to do something, because I think a film record of a given situation is ultimately more effective, and has greater impact. In the end, it helps more people than if I put down my camera to lend a hand (Bowden, 1987 p. 182) To offer a critical evaluation of the above claim, it is imperative to briefly discuss the two broad classifications of philosophical thought from which utilitarianism and Kantian theory derives from. The first classification – teleological ethics – comprise of theories which are essentially concerned with outcomes or consequences and the capacity to produce the best possible decisions. These theories are glued by the premise that ethically right decisions are those that produce maximum consequences (Albarran, 2010). To date, utilitarianism, with its axiom of the greatest good still offers the best example of teleological ethics. The second classification – deontologic al ethics – comprise of ethical theories concerned with the philosophical process of arriving at decisions based on established principles (Albarran, 2010). These theories affirm that the rightness or wrongness of an action or behaviour is dependent on that particular action or behaviour and not on the outcomes or consequences it produces. Deontological ethics are best illustrated in the philosophical works of Kant. Utilitarianism, espoused by such philosophers as David Hume, John Stuart Mill, and Jeremy Bentham, among others, states that moral actions are correct to the extent that they tend to enhance the ‘greatest good for the greatest number.’ As one of the best known adaptations of consequentialism, this theory defines what is morally acceptable in terms of the â€Å"maximization of the net expected utility for all parties affected by a decision or action† (Smart Williams, 1998 p. 83).Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Le t's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In other words, human beings ought to behave or act in a manner that occasion the best possible outcomes from their actions (Russo, n.d.). Consequently, acceptable behaviour or actions, according to utilitarianism, should be evaluated by rules and guidelines that, if universally followed would lead to the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Judging by the above description, it appears that the author of the claim in discussion based his arguments on utilitarian theory. Indeed, he argues that a film record of a situation is eventually more effective, has a greater impact, not mentioning the fact that it helps more people. In essence, the film record will enhance the greatest good for the greatest number of viewers the scenario that was being filmed notwithstanding. Such philosophical thought has serious ethical undertones since it therefore means that it actually does not concern us what kind of behaviour or actions we engage in or what our intentions are when engaging in them, as long as the outcomes of our behaviours or actions are generally positive to the wider audience. According to Russo (n.d.), â€Å"†¦what all utilitarians have in common is that they accept one and only one principle of morality, the principle of utility, which states that in all our actions we must always strive to produce the greatest possible balance of good and evil† (para. 3). This therefore means that when faced with a choice between two divergent courses of action, a utilitarian will always aim to select the one that bears the best overall outcome or consequence for the majority who might be affected in one way or another by the actions. In the claim, it is clearly evident that the author would choose the action that has a greater impact and helps more people – that of continuing to film instead of lending a hand. Again, this has serious ethical undertones assuming that the situation he is filming demands that people offer assistance such as a plane clash. Many modern institutions, including the media and democratic institutions, are built around the principle of utilitarianism, that is, ‘the end justify the means.’ Indeed, actions are judged based on the outcomes, not on the objectives, intentions or motives (Terrall, 2007). As such, the individual would be justified to continue filming since he is bound to achieve the best possible outcomes from his action – that of assisting more people. To argue along this continuum, however, is counterintuitive since such actions are taken more for profit orientations than for ethical considerations. When evaluated under the lenses of ethical considerations, utilitarianism in contemporary institutions, including the media, justifies the treatment of individuals as a means to an end. There arise serious ethical connotations when individuals are viewed as a means to achieve an outcome th at is agreeable to the majority.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Media Ethics: Towards Employing Utilitarianism and Kantian Theory in Examining Practical Ethical Issues specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In equal measure, ethical issues arise if individuals assume that an action or behaviour is acceptable if it generates a greater sum of good than evil for all the individuals who are affected by such an action (Russo, n.d.). This, it appears, is the mentality of the individual who continues to film since filming by itself will have a greater impact and will assist many people than helping the situation. As already mentioned elsewhere, Kantian theory is firmly rooted in deontological ethics. Kant proposed an intricate system that specified the duties endowed upon us as moral agents. According to Plaisance (2009), â€Å"†¦at the core of [Kant’s] system is the claim that our human capacity for reason enables us to know these duties and that freedom enables us to act on them (p.8). As such, the foundations of Kantian theory are rationality and liberty. For Kant, individuals are bound by obligation to act and behave morally as the only way to perform their duties to others. It is imperative to note that by moral action, Kant insinuated that individuals should test and evaluate their actions by inquiring if they could be universalized, that is, whether it would be morally acceptable if every individual applied the actions as standard of behaviour (Johnson, 2008). It therefore follows that the individual in the filming claim would have first stopped to ponder if it was agreeable for everyone to continue filming the arising situations as opposed to lending a hand. In fact, he would have never at the first place been so sure to say that ‘there’s almost no situation in which I’d stop filming to do something†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ since he was not in a position to know or judge if such an action could be universalized to others in similar profession or situation. This demonstrates why Kant was so strict on rationality and liberty. In a hypothetical situation, say a car accident where people are trapped inside the car, a Kantian follower would have reasoned out to first cease filming and lend a hand. If the situation was not that serious, a Kantian follower would have taken the liberty to start filming the situation. Here, the Kantian theory appears more ethically acceptable. Kant formulated the famous ‘categorically imperative’ phrase, implying duty without exception (Plaisance, 2009). This principle demands obedience and core moral obligations that all individuals must meet. Consequently, Kant was of the opinion that individuals are owned respect not because of their professions or individual positions, but for the reason that they are human beings with ability to reason.Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Plaisance (2009), â€Å"†¦this universal moral obligation requires that we treat individuals as ends in themselves and never sorely as a means to attain other goals or desires we may have† (p.9). In equal measure, the philosopher was of the opinion that morality was principally about motives. To him, motives are the basis of actions and these, not results or consequences – should be the basis for ethics. Back to the filming claim, it is vehemently clear that the individual use the means (situations) to achieve the ends (having a greater impact and assisting more people). The Kantian theory, however, is clear that the individuals should be perceived and treated as the ends in themselves and never sorely as means. Here, the underlying ethical issue is that utilitarianism, its axiom of achieving the greatest good notwithstanding, is open to abuse in contemporary times. In media institutions, indeed, it is rightfully or wrongfully used and depicted as bei ng in the ‘public interest,’ and in the case of newspapers, it is being used and passed as ‘what the public is interested in.’ Such catchy phrases have serious ethical undertones since what one segment of the public is interested in may not be universalized to the other population, not mentioning the fact that the motive behind an action, say publishing a story, may not necessarily be the reason why a certain outcome is desired (Elder, 2001). All in all, both utilitarianism and Kantian theory have been discussed at length in relation to the claim about filming. Ethical issues have been highlighted on both sides and critical appraisal offered. What is clear is that although the claim about filming is utilitarian in nature, utilitarianism raises more ethical issues than Kantian theory. Both philosophical thoughts, however, have their advocates and critics, and it is premature to discount utilitarianism is a valid theory of ethics. Indeed, according to Terrall (2007), many modern institutions, including the media, heavily rely on utilitarianism. However, as have already been discussed, the theory has serious ethical ramifications when compared to Kantian theory. List of References Albarran, A.B (2010). Management of Electronic Media. Boston, MA: Wadsworth. Elder, R (2001). Difficult Decisions: Ethical Issues for the American Media in Times of National Emergency. Web. Johnson, R (2008). Kant’s Moral Philosophy. In: Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Web. Plaisance, P.L (2009). Media Ethics: Key Principles for Responsible Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Russo, M.S (n.d.). Utilitarianism in a nutshell. Web. Smart, J.J.C., Williams, B (1998). Utilitarianism: For and Against. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Terrall, E (2007). The Ends or the Means? Kantian Ethics v/s Utilitarianism. Web.

What Should You Do If You Go to a Bad High School

What Should You Do If You Go to a Bad High School SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The quality of education at different high schools can vary widely, sometimesto the detriment of students. If you go to a school that doesn’t offer the programs and level of instruction that you would like, you might feel frustrated and worried about getting into college. In this article, I’ll give you some of the characteristics of a â€Å"bad† high school and tell you what steps you can take to improve your educational experience and college applications despite these disadvantages. What Defines a â€Å"Bad† High School? There are a few traits that are common amonghigh schools that don't prepare students adequately for college.Your school might not necessarily be â€Å"bad† just because it has one of these characteristics, but if it has all of them, the advice in this article is for you. Low-Quality Teaching The quality of teaching at a high school can make a big difference in how much students learn in their classes and how interested they are in the subjects.If the teachers aren’t engaged, the students definitely won’t be.A hallmark of low-quality teaching is when the teacher structures everything so that he or she has to do as little work as possible.For example, instead of more challenging short answer tests, the teacher might give you all multiple-choice tests because they’re faster to grade.Students know low-quality teaching when they see it - it usually means easier, duller classes that lack substance. Very Few Advanced Classes Low-quality high schools often don't offer many advanced classes to students.This ties into issues with teaching as well; advanced classes are more difficult to teach and require expertise that the teachers at the school might not have.A â€Å"bad† high school may not offer any AP or IB classes, or it may offer only one or two.A lack of high-level classes can prevent advanced students from challenging themselves in high school and reaching their full potential.It can also be a setback when it comes to applying for college. Limited Choices for Classes Overall In general, â€Å"bad† high schools don’t give students many choices for classes.These schools may offer fewer classes because they’re underfunded and don’t have the resources for additional teachers and course materials.A lack of choice can mean that students are unable to explore their areas of interest in a way that would be possible at another high school.They might be forced onto a certain course track that doesn’t fit their needs or miss out on a subject that they would love. In extreme cases, students could even end up unprepared for college because their high school didn't offer the prerequisites they needed to succeed in introductory college classes. It would be cool to take the AP Environmental Science class in high school if you're passionate about nature conservation, but your school might not give you that option or offer other classes you're interested in. What Are Your Options If Your School Is Bad? If your high school offers poor quality instruction, you may have to go above and beyond to get the kind of education you need to be prepared for college. But don't despair: you do have options. Option 1: Talk to a Teacher or Academic Advisor If you go to a bad high school, you will probably benefit from extra help beyond the instruction you’re getting in your classes.You can discuss your options with a teacher or guidance counselor to see what you can do to improve your chances of being accepted to a good college.They might have advice based on what other high-achieving students have done in the past to make up for the lack of opportunities. Solutions might include devising your own independent study class or doing extra projects in your existing classes to demonstrate your academic abilities.This is the least disruptive option you have, and it should be the first step you take before you decide to pursue more drastic measures like taking classes elsewhere or transferring schools. Option 2: Take Classes at a Nearby Community College Many high schools will allow you to do â€Å"dual enrollment.† This means that you’re simultaneously enrolled in classes at your high school and a nearby college.If the advanced classes you’re looking for are not offered at your high school, this can be a great way to gain access to the learning experiences you want. Keep in mind; however, that there are some drawbacks to taking community college classes in high school. You may have to pay for them on your own if your high school doesn't offer financial assistance, and you'll need to find reliable transportation to and from campus. Balancing classes at two different schools can be tough, especially if you're heavily involved in extracurricular activities. Speak to a guidance counselor to find out more about how your high school handles dual enrollment and what your options are. Option 3: Transfer to a Different High School in the Area The final option you have is transferring high schools. This is a more realistic option if you're a freshman or sophomore, although technically you can transfer in any year of high school. It's best to transfer as an underclassman because you'll have more time to take advantage of better resources at the new school and adjust to a different environment. It can be tough socially and academically to transfer, so this should be a last resort if you feel like your school isn’t cutting it.Transferring high schools will require some planning on your part, but it’s usually not too difficult to apply for a transfer.You can apply at the beginning of each school year (in September or October) for a transfer that will take place the following year.Again, check with your guidance counselor to see what your school’s policies are for transferring. The new high school will have to download all data from your brain before you can begin attending classes. This procedure is relatively painless. Will Your School’s Quality Impact Your Chances of Getting Into College? If you go to a high school that could be considered â€Å"bad,† you might be worried about the effect this will have on the college application process.Admissions offices collect a lot of data about high schools around the country that they use to inform their decisions.If your high school only offered two AP classes and you took both of them, you wouldn’t be compared directly to a student at another high school who took five AP classes out of the 15 that were offered. Colleges understand that every high school is different and that some provide better opportunities than others.They do their best not to fault students for attending high schools with fewer opportunities by considering whether a student made the most of the situation at hand.Colleges will be mainly concerned with two things if you go to a bad high school: Did you challenge yourself as much as possible within the constraints of the curriculum at the school while earning high grades? Did you seek out additional opportunities outside of your high school to enrich your learning experience? If you do both of those things, you will still stand a strong chance against high-achieving students who were fortunate enough to attend better high schools. What Are Some Other Ways to Strengthen Your Application If You Go to a Bad High School? If you’re still worried about how you’ll fare in the application process, there are a couple of measures you can take to make sure you’re presenting yourself to colleges in the best way possible: Build Up Strong Extracurricular and Leadership Credentials Even if your school doesn’t have the best academics, you still might be able to participate in extracurricular activities that will bolster your application.If you have an interest that you feel isn’t represented bythe current extracurricular offerings at your school, you can even create a new club.This signals to colleges that you’re willing to take initiative and are passionate about something. You can also get involved in extracurricular activities that are not connected to your school, whether that includes a church group, volunteer organization, community theater company, or a different organization. If you’re into sports, you can try to become a team captain so that you’re in a leadership role.Leadership is important to colleges because it shows that you are capable of being in a position of authority with extra responsibilities. This indicates independence, maturity, and the potential to make big changes in the world. The point of extracurricular activities is to show that you have interests outside of academics and will bring something unique to a college campus.You should use your extracurricularsto showcase who you are and demonstrate your potential. Get Great Letters of Recommendation Another way to build up your application is to stay on top of your letters of recommendation. Make sure you ask your teachers with plenty of time to spare (ideally let them know during the spring of yourjunior yearand then confirm with them early in your senior year). Be strategic about which teachers you ask for letters. It's best to ask teachers who can testify to your strengths as a student and your ability to go above and beyond in your coursework. If you consulted a teacher on how to improve your academic record for college applications, you might ask that teacher for a recommendation so that he or she can provide anecdotes that point to your determination. Write an Awesome Personal Statement The personal statement is an opportunity for you to tell colleges something about yourself that they might not learn from the rest of your application.It’s another place where you can show what makes you special as an applicant apart from your academic credentials.A great personal statement can make you stand out in the application process as someone who has a strong voice and will contribute something valuable to the college community.See our guide for how to write a great college essay. Seek Out Academic Awards Outside of the academic boundaries of your high school, there are other awards that you can win to bolster your application.If you take the PSAT and manage to get a very high score, you may qualify for a National Merit Scholarship.You can also check out this list of the best scholarships for high school seniors (many of them are available to lower high school grades as well).A scholarship can be an impressive addition to your credentials. Do some exploring and see if there are any particular scholarships or awards that appeal strongly to you and your interests.For example, if you’re a particularly strong math student, you might consider trying to qualify for the International Math Olympiad.If you take some of these steps to improve your application, colleges will be impressed with your drive and will be more likely to accept you. I won first place in a golden cup forging contest! Conclusion â€Å"Bad† high schools are typically characterized by poor teaching, a lack of advanced classes, and fewer class options overall.If you go to a â€Å"bad† high school, you should discuss your concerns with your guidance counselor or an academic advisor.You might decide to take classes at a nearby community college or even transfer to a different high school in the area that has better academics. Colleges will know the limitations of your high school when reviewing your application, so you shouldn’t worry too much about being penalized as long as you’ve challenged yourself as much as possible within the constraints of your environment. To improve your application further, you can focus onextracurricular and leadership activities, a great personal statement, and outside scholarships and awards.The quality of your high school shouldn’t dictate where you go to college as long as you continue to pursue your interests and be proactive about challenging yourself academically. What's Next? Are you planning on applying to competitive colleges? Find out what a rigorous high school course load looks like so you can impress them with your application! You should also read this article to get more information on honors societies and classes and how they can affect your potential in the college application process. For a quick overview of the steps you'll need to take in high school to apply to college, take a look at this infographic. Want to improve your SAT score by 240 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: