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SAD Formula of Moral Reasoning 27 January 2009 Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 1 Moral Reasoning A systematic process of reaching a moral decision, based on numerous considerations. Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 2 Equation Moral Reasoning = S + A + D Where: S = situation definition A = analysis D = decision Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 3 Situation Definition Requirements 1. 2. 3. Description of the facts Identification of principles and values Statement of ethical issue Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 4 Analysis Requirements 1. 2. 3. 4. Weighing of competing values Consideration of external factors Examination of duties Discussion of applicable theories/decision-making norms Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 5 Decision Requirements 1. 2. Rendering of decision Defense of the decision Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 6 Purposes of the SAD Formula Serves as a guide for newbies to cultivate their moral reasoning skills Serves as a tool to respond to both real and hypothetical issues Helps attune the mind to logical thinking Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 7 Application: Case Study Situation: The case study explores the issue of source confidentiality. A source who wishes to remain unidentified tells news reporters a piece of background information against one gubernatorial candidate. The editors decided not to honor the source’s request for anonymity. Is this decision justifiable? Should reporters be trusted in giving their word? Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 8 Application: Case Study Analysis (evaluation): Breaking promises is a serious offense. However, the editors felt compelled to do so for one obviously good reason: The mention of the source’s name adds credibility to the news report. Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 9 Application: Case Study 1. 2. 3. 4. Analysis (evaluation): The editors’ decision affects many entities: The source could lose his job. The reporters could lose their credibility to keep their word with other sources. The object of the revelation could suffer from a tarnished reputation. The reader of the report could be either misled or enlightened. Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 10 Application: Case Study Analysis (external factor): There are a number of external factors that may be considered: 1. 2. 3. the absence of a definite policy on source confidentiality the absence of guidelines on when and when not to seek management approval the possible attitude of readers for and against political smear campaigns and character assassination Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 11 Application: Case Study Analysis (moral duties): The editors have moral duties to the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. their conscience those affected by the decision (reporters/colleagues + source) their financial supporters the society Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 12 Application: Case Study Analysis (moral theories): Teleological (consequence): The end justifies the mean. vs. Deontological (process): It is wrong to break promises. Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 13 Application: Case Study Decision: The editors’ decision to breach source confidentiality was not a good one. Credibility is important in journalism. However, when editors do not honor the promises made by their reporters to the sources, the editors are undermining the credibility of their own reporters and eventually their own newspapers. Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 14 Brainstorming Exercise Media publishes the photo of a suspect on a prominent murder case Media decides not to publish a scandalous story involving one of its prominent advertisers Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 15 Call center agent murdered CEBU CITY -- The body of a 26-year-old female call center agent was found stuffed in two garbage bags in a hotel in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City late Thursday night. Homicide police said Lynn "Vi" Ebarita, a TeleTech employee, was stabbed 22 times by around three persons she had a drinking session with inside a room in the Nikkei Garden Hotel. She was believed killed inside the comfort room around January 18 or 19…. (OCP/Sun.Star Cebu) Source: Day, Luis Alvin. Ethics in Media Communications Cases and Controversies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2003. 16