Lesson 3: Communication Ethics

Lesson 3: Communication Ethics

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

The learner…

·         describes principal theories of ethics as described by ancient and modern philosophers;

·         identifies ethical issues in communication case studies;

·         apply critical skills of reason and analysis to ethical problems;

·         discusses and critiques the communicative decisions made in practical ethical scenarios;

·         explains how to balance conflicting ethical principles in real world communicative situations.

OVERVIEW

Ethics are moral values of good conduct that guide one’s actions, whether or not they are governed by laws or policies. In communication, our rhetoric, along with our actions create the sort of person that we are; thus, any thinking individual constantly evaluates the words they let out of their mouths, aiming for integrity in their language habits. This is the mark of an ethical communicator.

Communication in the digital age has resulted to current transformations raising interrelated questions about ethics. Upon browsing your social media account, it isn’t unlikely to encounter immature contents and misleading judgments expressed ubiquitously without any corroboration. Displays of fake news currently proliferate the internet, ignoring all communication ethics.

Activity 1:

Directions: Form groups of 4. Read the prompt below. Assign possibilities A-D to all the members. Share your answers with everybody. Discuss which answer is most appropriate. (Adapted from wvde.state.wv.us).

                Wanda is new at the company you work for. She talks to you during breaks and seems very friendly. She tells everyone at work how she loves her job and everyone there. Lately however, Wanda has been gossiping and bad-mouthing these same co-workers when they are not around. She’s also revealed some personal information about several co-workers and asked you some very personal questions. What should you do?

A.       Ignore the gossip, questions, and comments. After all, it’s not bothering you and you get to hear a lot of dirt!

Possible result of this decision: ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

B.       Start gossiping about her to other people. What goes around comes around.

Possible result of this decision: ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

C.      Tell the boss what a jerk Wanda is.

Possible result of this decision: ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

D. Politely tell Wanda you are uncomfortable with gossip and personal issues that have no place at work. Distance yourself from her if she continues.

Possible result of this decision: _____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2:

Open this link. Then, do the activities below.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/941347/asias-fight-against-fake-news

1.       Tell how the headline relates to the photo of the article.

2.       Study the statements that follow. Explain what it means.

3.       Paraphrase the statement. Consolidate your ideas and share with the class.

4.       In your opinion, how is this article relevant to the topic of communication ethics?

In a statement, Philippine senator and chair of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Institution said that “If fake news is not challenged, it will create lynch mobs out of certain people, turning them into an army of character assassins, who can be unleashed, with just one meme, to destroy an idea, a person, or an institution. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/628200/poe-says-fake-news-cultivates-culture-of-lying-creates-lynch-mobs/story/