Abstract
A content analysis examines what contemporary news-writing textbooks offer in the way of “ethics”—especially “philosophical works,” or classical ethical theory. Using the quantitative analysis as its foundation, the author then explores whether the inclusion of ethical theory in beginning reporting textbooks adds to the discussion of ethics as journalism students begin their studies. The paper concludes with an explanation of the dangers of teaching philosophical theory incorrectly and offers suggestions for ethics instruction in the beginning news-writing course.
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