This Is What We Do

Discussion Unit 5 - If I'm a young reporter and I fall into this kind of situation, it's actually not that difficult for me of what decision I have to make, but I'll follow the potter box to see what the logical one would be. So first we have the definition and facts. I know that the mayor died of a heroin overdose, I know that he was a popular and well liked mayor, and that his family is aware of the heroin overdose as well. So for the second step, I have to consider the values at hand. The values are that the family is deeply already mourning the loss of their loved one, and that the heroin overdose and public reaction to come could only make their feelings that much worse. To think of what this family would have to go through if I released the true story is daunting, so this helps my decision greatly. Now step three, the principles. Do unto others is a huge one for me, because if I put myself in this families situation I would certainly feel a sigh of relief if this reporter changed the story for my wellbeing. Also the golden mean, moral virtue as a middle state determined practical wisdom that emphasizes moderance and temperance. Now for my loyalties. So far, everything that I have determined has really had me going to the side that I should in fact change the story and report that this young mayor died of a tragic and unexpected heart attack. But for the loyalties part of my potter box, I have to go with my editor. With loyalty to my editor I would have to report this story as just the truth, not only to tell the public the truth, but to sell the story. I don't feel the loyalty to the public because as I said in a previous discussion, a politicians private life is their private life, and it has to be respected in privacy. Now that I have analyzed my potter box, I have the loyalties going towards my employer and my profession as a whole, and I have the principles and values going towards the family of the mayor who died, so which one do I