JOUR 1111 Lecture 8: Ethics of Virtue

In this lecture, ethics were discussed. For the first half, the guest speaker showed us cases controversial advertising. The lecturer made a clear distinction between what is ethical, and what is done in good or bad taste

The second half of the lecture saw us looking at the three fundamental ethical theories: Deontology, Consequentialism, and virtue. 

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Virtue ethics was of particular interest to me, as it was something that I studied last year in high school. A branch of virtue ethics that I am familiar with is Nicomachean Ethics, which is the work of philosopher Aristotle.

Aristotle believed that the 'good life' of a man was a life of happiness. He defined happiness as - "an activity of the soul in accordance with perfect virtue". To achieve this, Aristotle argued that people should act by the 'The Mean' or the 'Doctrine of the Mean', an idea briefly discussed in the lecture.

As described on the power-point slide above, The Mean says that one must act in in moderation, so as to achieve a balance (between rashness and cowardice). Whilst Aristotle was a relativist, believing that there is more than one way to live the 'good life', he expressed that the proper way to behave in an ethical manner is through The Mean.

However, the black and white nature of Aristotle's moral guidelines, have meant that it has raised many questions. For instance, are all ethical actions, acts of moderation? Surely sometimes reckless behaviour is praiseworthy? Some people who are immoderate by nature, might not find happiness in moderation... Are 'moderation' and 'excess' culturally determined standards?

JOUR 1111: Annotated Bibliography

Peer Reviewed Article

Cleaver, G. (1987). Family Relations: Marriage Enrichment by Means of a Structured Communication Programme. National Council on Family Relations, 36, 49-54.

Glenda Cleaver presents a well-sourced perspective on the analysis of marriage enrichment through structured communication.  She draws on the views of family relations experts Geoffrey Leigh, Irene Loewen and Mark Lester, among others. Although Cleaver argues that conflict in marriage is inevitable, she looks at an experiment that investigates the effectiveness of teaching communication skills to married couples using a structured videotape (Cleaver, 1987).The videotape contains a short explanation of the principles underlying communication, shows models which demonstrate the skills to be learned, and provides practice exercises for participants (Cleaver, 1987). Cleaver has focussed on two groups of married couples who were taught the relevant communication skills using different methods. The experimental group was taught the skills using the videotape, while the control group was taught the skills without the use of the videotape (Cleaver, 1987). After discussing other experts' conclusions in relation to the findings, Cleaver says that a significant improvement was evident for both groups using the skills taught. Cleaver goes on to write that even though both methods appear to be effective in the short term, the follow-up measures indicated that the effectiveness of the videotape was more lasting (Cleaver, 1987).

Portrayal of the same story by three different mediums

Morton, J. (2012, May 1). Genia signing will lead to others, says Reds. The Roar. Retrieved from http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/05/01/genia-signing-will-lead-to-others-says-reds/

The Roar online news website advertises itself as a combination of expert columnists with edited fan-written sports articles. The author Jim Morton, is a long-time contributor to the website, and with no professional qualifications, his piece was initially viewed sceptically. However, by relying heavily on primary sources to shape his article, he presents a viewpoint that is not just his own opinion on the issues. Morton has used quotes from key stakeholders in the issue, such as Will Genia and Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie. Genia expresses his happiness and content with his decision to stay with the Reds, despite accepting less money than what he was offered from the Western Force. Later, Coach Ewen McKenzie argues that the signing is a boost for the Reds, and will help to secure other players that go 'off contract' at the end of the season. Both sources share their view that it was the best outcome for the Queensland Reds. Morton focuses on the Queensland perspective of the issues, without considering the circumstances of the other parties involved.

Way, B. (Reporter). (2012, May 1). Foxsports News Australia, Sydney: FOX SPORTS Australia Pty Limited.

A news report on Fox Sports News provides a dramatic account of Will Genia’s decision to stay with the Queensland Reds. Reporter Ben Way chooses to focus on the frustration felt by the Western Force administration, as the Queensland Rugby Union released a statement saying Genia had made the decision to move, before he had signed a contract. Rugby WA chief executive Vern Reid is quoted, expressing that he wished Genia had followed through on the verbal agreement that had been made. Further, the report speculates that the QRU’s statement may have been released to create a public backlash towards Genia and force him to change his mind, which was described as “a sensational back flip”. He makes a controversial link by going on to argue that the incident reinforces a history of “bad blood” among the two franchises. It uses examples of the Western Force “poaching” players from Queensland back in 2006, when the Perth-based team was setting up. 

Macdonald, M. (2012, May 1). Queensland keeps Will Genia after bizarre backflip. The Australian, p.40

 

Margie MacDonald is an experienced journalist that has been working with the AAP for a number of years. Whilst not as emotional as the Foxsports piece, MacDonald chooses to focus on the conspiracy behind Will Genia’s decision to stay in Queensland. MacDonald begins by arguing that there were reasons for Genia’s change of heart, much deeper then what he told the media. Like Jim Morton’s article, MacDonald draws on comments made by Genia relating to why he chose to stay in Queensland. However, the effect that the contracting incident had on the Western Force is emphasised. The author describes the Force administration as having had their “feather ruffled”, and accuses the Reds' move as being against protocols that apply to player announcements. Unlike either of the items discussed earlier, MacDonald draws attention to how Genia was “not impressed” that the verbal agreement given to the Force on Thursday was leaked to the media. 

Issues of Feminism

Ignoring the 'colourful' language, this guy raises some very good points, and outlines a number of flaws with the concept of feminism. By no means am I using this video to prove my own personal beliefs on the issue, I just think a lot of what he says is worth considering.

Social Rejection of Refugees is Australia’s Loss

This is an article I wrote last week, following an interview with Bobby Whitfield, Liberian refugee and Senior Community Development Officer at the Multicultural Development Association. 

Many refugees face a dangerous journey when seeking asylum to Australia, but many are unaware of the various social challenges they face when they get here.

Even if they survive the leaking boat, the constant threat of pirates and rapists at sea, or the dangerous environment from which they have fled, refugees face a different challenge when they reach Australia. Past the uncertainty of the immigration authorities in granting refugee status, lies an unwelcoming attitude within many parts of the Australian population.

Liberian refugee and Senior Community Development Officer at the Multicultural Development Association, Bobby Whitfield, believes that this attitude comes from a lack of perspective on the issue. “If we talk about countries that are taking in high numbers of refugees, those are developing countries, neighbouring countries to where the crises are being experienced,” he says.

“Relatively comparing that to Australia is very low, in terms of intake of refugees” Bobby goes on. “It is just a big myth that a lot of refugees are coming... The bigger picture is that all the developing countries are actually taking a huge proportion of the burden of sharing the refugee crisis.”

When asked why many Australians act as if refugees are dangerous people, Whitfield argues that it is brought about through the political culture. “It has something to do with playing on the fears of people, and people trying to score political points.”

“These guys are coming in on leaky boats, not gun boats” he says with a wry smile.

The negative social perception of refugees boils down to the notion that they are incapable of making a contribution to Australian society. Whitfield strongly rejects this idea. “Refugees are very industrious people. That whole idea that refugees want to come and just punch off the welfare system is really not true.”

“Most refugees I can assure you are people who are studying, working two jobs... participating in our social events, some are playing sports,” he continues.“That whole thing that refugees are going to be a burden, yes indeed, from the very beginning, you need some support, but that is very short term... it’s not perpetual” Whitfield says.

If anyone needs an example of a refugee making a difference in Australia, look no further than Bobby Whitfield. In December last year, he became the first Liberian refugee to complete a Masters degree at the University of Queensland. With all the work he has done with helping other refugees settle into Australia, nobody can question the contribution and hard work of this man. 

Bobby Whitfield at UQ (Photo supplied by UQ)