APP-10803 Professional Ethics for Communication Specialists

Course

Credits 3.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures8
Tutorial10
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)prof. dr. FWJ Keulartz
drs. LFP Pijnenburg
Lecturer(s)prof. dr. FWJ Keulartz
Examiner(s)prof. dr. FWJ Keulartz

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

In this course we will focus on the most pressing and persistent ethical dilemma's of science communication. One dilemma is that between alarmism and skepticism. In our 'risk society' many problems, like climate change, loss of biodiversity or depletion of the ozone layer are to a large extent invisible, and by time scales relevant to people, are happening in slow motion. This explains the tendency to sound the alarm all the time. However, from a moral point of view the use of fear to communicate to the public about possible risks is highly problematic. Playing the fear card can produce a lot unnecessary worry among people who cannot affect the situation.
Another important dilemma is that between advocacy and objectivity. Because science increasingly has to deal with complex systems, science is more than ever infested with uncertainties. Should one downplay these uncertainties because they seem to open the door for all kinds of maverick scientists? Or should one try to avoid advocacy journalism and make way for dissident opinion? One of the pillars of professional journalism is balanced coverage-telling 'both' sides of the story. Parallel to the 'pro and con' model, reporters ask for statements from scientists holding the most extreme views regarding a scientific issue. Emphasizing controversy or disagreement seems not only to be in line with journalistic objectivity but also adds drama that will capture public attention. But often this can lead to public confusion that eventually translates in political inaction and policy gridlock.
Yet another dilemma concerns the degree of openness about (financial, professional, and personal) conflicts of interest. Some scientists fear that too much media coverage of these conflicts of interest threaten the public's belief in the integrity of the field, whereas other scientists fear that incomplete information about these conflicts may harm the public that depends on the media for most of their information.
Ethical questions can also be posed about the raising of high expectations that seems crucial to mobilize the public and attract funding and investment. How should one communicate promises of technological breakthroughs that are omnipresent, especially with respect to the so-called converging technologies (Nano-Bio-Info-Cogno): as hopes or hypes? These and other ethical dilemma's of science communication will be illustrated by debates on global environmental change, especially climate change, 'the quintessential environmental problem'.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course, students are expected to be able to indicate the most important ethical dilemma's in science communication, and to discuss specific cases in a systematic way.

Activities:

18 hrs interactive lectures, 66 hrs self study.

Examination:

Students should study the literature, participate in discussions, make at least one presentation, and write a brief essay.

Literature:

Will be distributed.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BCLCommunication and Life SciencesBSc6WD