Freedom and Responsibility

Süleyman Buluş

Sibel Evliyagil

ENG 102-5

March 17, 2013

Freedom or Responsibility

Media ethics has been argued for decades. Since decisions made by mass media have significant effects on society, there is a controversy while considering consequences of those decisions. Some media people think that no matter what the consequences are, media can and should broadcast whatever it wants. Main reason to such consideration can be shown as freedom of speech or say freedom of expression. On the other hand, some media people claim that the power of media (i.e effect on society) should be used responsibly and that constitutional right, freedom of expression should be limited. This controversial situation has significant importance because on one hand there is a concept of freedom, one of the most important tenets of humanity. On the other hand, there is a concept of being responsible, making ethical decisions, considering consequences. Although there will not be an end for this debate, this paper will argue that freedom of expression should be limited when considered from the perspective of ethical responsibility. Main reasons would be following: freedom and ethical responsibility do not actually oppose each other, mass media has a significant impact on society, and at last freedom regardless of anything may lead to conflicts with the main objective of media which is informing the public.

Debate over freedom-responsibility relationship mostly comes from wrong definition of those concepts. Freedom and responsibility are mostly perceived as concepts in conflict. Some people define them as “two sides of the same coin” (Gordon et al). From this perspective of view, if one chose to be free with his actions, expressions then he has to accept the responsibility that comes with that freedom. This view perceives responsibility as a natural consequence of freedom. However, this perspective does not seem to be consistent with reasonable definition of responsibility....