Chapter 5: Privacy : Looking for Privacy in the

Privacy is personal and a way to show respect for one another. Our book states that privacy is dynamic and open to change because of how society views certain issues, such as abortion. This reminded me of the movie Absence of Malice where the woman has an abortion and Sally Field goes "it's the 80s, it's no big deal anymore" when she was discussing reporting it in the paper. What one person views as private another person might view as commonplace and acceptable for public knowledge.

Celebrities and public figures have less privacy than regular people because of their broad exposure and monetary value to the media. We need privacy to develop a sense of who we are and to form ourselves without judgement (hey maybe this is why celebrities are so screwed up?!). We can try out who we want to be and pick the best fit, without having to worry about being embarrassed by others.

The need for privacy is more of an ethical situation because of the protection it offers ourselves. Privacy is also something that can be controlled and accessed on a personal level so we can set boundaries for others as to how far and what we are willing to share. I think that privacy is a need because if we didn't have it we would be emotionally messed up. In private you can let your guard down and also vent emotions that you can't do in a public environment. This made me think is privacy a concrete thing- like a bedroom in your house? Or is it something more, like a state of mind or a lock we mentally put on thoughts we don't people to know or actions we would rather not share with the internet.

Chapter 4 Loyalty

Loyalty is part of the social contract when we are deciding to whom or what we should be loyal to. We may be forced to choose between different loyalties, which I know I have had to do during my time at college. I am very loyal to myself and to my goals because life is supposed to be about catching your biggest fish. Honestly I have always gone about things my own way and despised school and any type of environment that was governed by rules and authority. I did not willingly want to be loyal to school and give my time to things like homework and studying.

Loyalty also has limits within people, how far I am willing to go for what I am loyal towards is different than someone else. I am very determined and loyal but I will not do something that is morally wrong to accomplish something.

Royce believed that being loyal was being devoted to a cause or person. He also said that your loyalty shouldn't only be to yourself. This is something I have trouble doing because I feel that young college students should carve out the time to be completely devoted to yourself and to point yourself in the direction of your dreams. I think being selfish can have negative connotations but I also think that the people who have been extremely successful in life have taken the initiative to believe in themselves and work solely on themselves.

Loyalty as an ethical guide has problems. A cause that is worthy of loyalty should harmonize with the loyalties of the community. This is a noble idea but I also don't think realistically people form loyalties based on the greater good of the world. I think they are personal and more self centered.

William May also discussed the four types of loyalties: 1. Loyalties arising from shared humanity, 2. Loyalties arising from professional practice 3. Loyalties arising from employment, 4. Loyalties arising from the media's role in public life. These are idealistic values that aren't easily adopted.