Ethics can be a difficult subject. One reason for this is that each of us has our own ethical code, our own morality, that has been shaped by our experiences and beliefs. This personal code makes ethical issues subjective; what is an issue for me may not be one for you. Another reason is that ethics is a philosophical study with its own language and concepts. Although we are not ethicists, we wanted to provide a general overview of some of the ethical issues often faced, either directly or indirectly, by those who are communicating risk. Therefore, this chapter discusses potential ethical issues and associated decisions. It does not tell you what decision to make, but rather helps you weigh the potential outcomes of the possible choices.
Producing any form of technical communication can result in ethical difficulties. Questions such as how much information to release, to whom should it be released, and who makes those decisions are connected with the dissemination of any type of information. The Society for Technical Communication, the largest professional society for those who communicate scientific or technical information, publishes "Ethical Principles for Technical Communicators" (STC 1998) that recognize such ethical issues as complying with regulations, honesty, confidentiality, and fairness.
The communication of risk carries additional potential ethical issues, such as when and how much information should be released, whether the use of persuasion is appropriate, and the relationship between public danger versus private interests.
Such ethical issues can arise in
Risk Communication, Fourth Edition.