‘Spotlight’: Virtuous Journalism in Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article presents an analysis of virtuous journalism as demonstrated in the award-winning movie Spotlight. It analyzes Spotlight using key concepts from virtue ethics theory – arête (virtue), phronesis (practical wisdom), and eudaimonia (happiness), revealing an in-depth understanding of the regulative ideals embedded in the movie. The article discusses major virtues exemplified in the movie, journalists’ practical wisdom, and how the journalism profession can contribute to human flourishing through its professional goals. By informing a theoretically grounded understanding of the moral lessons in this movie and its values for the profession, this article also aims to benefit ethics educators.