Yet, in retrospect, their decision seems wise. By acting as if they were in society rather than apart from it, that is, the papers did society good. According to this view, if we all follow the rules of our own occupational or interest group, then the welfare of society in general will take care of itself. The flaws in this procedural model have become obvious, from gridlocked politics to a legal system that preserves rights while often thwarting justice. Some broader concept of public ethics seems overdue.
Reporters naturally squirm when cast in the role of ethicists.
Yet the press's current attempt, through the debate about public journalism, to rethink its duty to society might eventually help other groups do the same thing. All Rights Reserved.