Chapter 5 Activities

  1. What is ethos? Give an example of someone who you believe demonstrates positive ethos.

    Ethos: Derives from the word ethics, meaning character. Someone who has positive ethos is perceived by the audience as competent, having good moral character, and as showing goodwill toward others (the audience). Audiences listen to and place their trust in such individuals.

  2. What are the three major ethical theories discussed in Chapter 5?

    Consequentialist ethics suggests that it is the outcome or consequence of our conduct that ultimately determines its rightness. Rules-based ethics focus on our duty to do what is inherently right, as established in widely accepted moral rules or norms, such as those in the Ten Commandments, Eightfold Path of Buddhism, or even a university honor code. Virtue ethics emphasizes the role of individual moral character in guiding ethical decisions.

  3. What is plagiarism, and how can you avoid it?

    Plagiarism: The use of other people’s ideas or words without acknowledging the source. You can avoid it by remembering that any source that requires credit in written form should also be acknowledged in oral form. You should orally credit direct quotations, paraphrased and summarized information, and any facts and statistics, ideas, opinions, or theories gathered and reported by others.