Instructions

THE BRIDGE

Thoughtfully consider these questions about Eric Steele’s documentary “The Bridge” that we discussed in class on Thurs Nov 14.

Your answers should be complete thoughts composed into paragraphs, not a list of thoughts.

There’s been many reports and analysis of The Bridge and Steele’s methods. You may do some research online and use the information you find, but you must cite that source in your answer.

Questions based on "Media Ethics: Issues and Cases"

The full movie is here for reference:

• The Bridge (Documentary) Full/Complete (Links to an external site.)

Question 15 pts

Should the makers of the documentary have tried to intervene in any of the twenty-plus suicides they witnessed? Why or why not?

Question 25 pts

If a local news crew had been on the bridge (covering another story) at the same time as a jumper – and they recognized that the person is about to jump, would their obligations be any different than the documentary crew? Exlpain.

Question 35 pts

Is there any merit to complaints that the documentary might encourage “copycats” among those struggling with suicidal thought? Explain your answer.

Question 45 pts

Does Eric Steele’s dishonesty in obtaining a permit to film the bridge and the jumpers negate the integrity of his documentary? Discuss your answer in light of Utilitarian ethics.

Question 55 pts

Is there a difference between how a Utilitarian such as Mill would view the decisions made by the documentary crew and how it would be viewed by a Deontologist such as Kant? Discuss how their views might differ.