Ethical Theories In Mass Shootings

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In 2018 alone, there have been 148 mass shootings according to the mass shooting tracker organization. Since columbine? I can only imagine. For my analysis I will discuss three possible ethical perspectives from the point of view whether or not news outlets should broadcast information about the perpetrator in regards to mass shootings. The three ethical point of views I will use to explain my ultimate opinion are utilitarianism, pluralistic theory of values, and care based ethics. Utilitarianism is a concept that focuses on the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. It revolves around usefulness and benefit while focusing on a larger population. It is highly outcome based so to do a thorough analysis one has to weigh the outcomes …show more content…

This is pretty much golden rule or empathy based and to do what is best for others in a given situation. This being said, is it the responsibility of the media to promote the golden rule or to record life as it happens? On one hand, the media could dismiss all knowledge of said perpetrator and promote the well being of others in terms of an empathetic point of view. On the other hand, is it not important to establish a sense of factual evidence and details from an event that occurred? Citizens should be informed, however, from a care based ethics point of view which promotes the strict foundation of doing good unto others, the best answer would be to not publish facts and pictures to keep the feelings of a said society at bay. The problem with care based ethics is the fact that one can not predict what someone else wants. This seems to be a highlight in terms of every concept discussed so far. However this does ring true. Just because one person would find it upsetting or harmful to see the face of the person who killed a family member, what is to be said about those who not deem it as upsetting? Who is being accounted for as to what is offensive or what is not okay for others to

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