Joanne Spoganetz

Professor of social ethics at Harvard Divinity School from 1965 to 2003

Author of the book War and Moral Discourse

Created The Potter Box: a guide for making ethical decisions

1. Definitions/facts

2. Identifying values

3. Identifying principles

4. Choosing loyalties

18th century philosopher

April 22, 1724 – February 12, 1804

Known for his work in Metaphysics and Ethics

Guidelines should be se and abided by

“You do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.”

We should act as we expect all humans to act

20th century political philosopher

“We are to imagine ourselves in what Rawls calls the Original Position. We are all self-interested rational persons and we stand behind ‘the Veil of Ignorance’”

People behind the veil of ignorance are unaware of their own race, sex, and social background

They are given the task of choosing principles that shall govern the actual world

According to Rawls, the fairness of this procedure will therefore produce fair principles

Managing editor

Says that relying on your own values and principles in unavoidable as a journalist. Agree or Disagree?

Adds that a journalist’s work is very independent. It is up to their own judgment to include and leave out certain aspects of a story.

Which ethical model might journalists use?

Do you think Rawls’ Veil of Ignorance is possible today?

Have you used any of these models to answer your own ethical dilemma?