Complete Schedule

Ethical Dilemmas in Promoting Transparency and Community Input in Public Service Work

Presentation Type

Plenary Session (Electronic Copy Not Available)

Abstract

A fundamental principle of democracy is that the public has a right to information produced by and for government. However, like other rights, this one is not absolute. There are many instances in which public sector information should not be disseminated to the citizens. Deciding what information to release to whom is one of the most pressing ethical problems of governance. Releasing information inappropriately can visit harm and injustice upon innocent people. By contrast, unnecessary government secrecy is often a tool used for abusing power. The purpose of this session is to explore the ethical terrain involved releasing and withholding public information.

Start Date

22-9-2017 10:45 AM

End Date

22-9-2017 11:45 AM

Event Host

Center for Academic Ethics, University of Northern Iowa

Department

Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology

Comments

Location: Maucker Union Ballroom

Electronic copy is not available through UNI ScholarWorks.

Comments?

Share

COinS
 
Sep 22nd, 10:45 AM Sep 22nd, 11:45 AM

Ethical Dilemmas in Promoting Transparency and Community Input in Public Service Work

A fundamental principle of democracy is that the public has a right to information produced by and for government. However, like other rights, this one is not absolute. There are many instances in which public sector information should not be disseminated to the citizens. Deciding what information to release to whom is one of the most pressing ethical problems of governance. Releasing information inappropriately can visit harm and injustice upon innocent people. By contrast, unnecessary government secrecy is often a tool used for abusing power. The purpose of this session is to explore the ethical terrain involved releasing and withholding public information.