Reporter Joe obtains some information concerning a local politician and his involvement in a domestic violence case with his wife.

Question

Reporter Joe obtains some information concerning a local politician and his involvement in a domestic violence case with his wife. The reporting of this incident could catapult his career as a journalist. The ethical dilemma faced is “personal privacy” vs “public interest”. Which of the following would follow the “do no harm” rule focusing on not using others as a means for our own advancement/good?

Aristotle

Kant

Mill

Socrates

Answer 1

Hi Trinity.

The "do no harm" rule with regards to not using others falls right under the ideas of John Stuart Mill. His core philosophy is Utilitarianism which boils down to a core belief that all actions an individual undertakes should correspond to the greater good of the collective/many. It is up to an individual, in Mill's eyes, to determine what is best for the greater good. With regards to the Report Joe in your question it can be argued that it is for the greater good that he report this information since the politician is an influential figure and has power it is for the greater good that his crime be reported. Someone is already being harmed in this situation, the wife, therefore if Reporter Joe does not report this domestic violence he is complicit. The only person being harmed in this situation is the politician. Society, the wife, and Reporter Joe all benefit from this so it is for the greater good.