Virtue in Media

Patrick Lee Plaisance is Professor of Journalism at Colorado State University. His research focuses on media ethics theory, moral psychology, journalism values, and media sociology, and he teaches media ethics, reporting and communication theory. Prior to his academic career, he worked for nearly 15 years as a journalist at numerous American newspapers.

"Virtue ethics is of historic importance, but only episodic in media studies. A new era has begun; this erudite book gives virtue ethics gravitas. Supremely well-informed in the history of ideas, rigorous in research design, brilliant in interpretation, Virtue in Media is a difference maker. Plaisance proves that philosophy and social science are not a zero-sum game. He is a master thinker and exceptional writer—precise vocabulary, phosphorescent narrative, and clear as a bell in theory. Destined to be a classic in media ethics, Virtue in Media has the enduring qualities of Hutchins’ Free and Responsible Press, Nagel’s View from Nowhere, and Dewey’s Public and Its Problems." Clifford G. Christians, University of Illinois.

• Introduction One – Moral Psychology: The Grand Convergence Two – Design of an Exemplar Study Three – A Profile of Media Exemplars By The Numbers Four – Patterns That Point to Virtue Five – Professionalism and Public Service Six – Moral Courage Seven – Humility and Hubris Eight – Crucibles of Experience Conclusion