The Ethics of Using and Displaying Personal Artifacts Such as Diaries, Letters, Phone Calls, and Texts

When it comes to displaying personal artifacts such as diaries, letters, phone calls, and texts, the ethical considerations can be complex and multifaceted. Let's explore the underlying principles and standards that govern such actions, particularly when the owner is still alive or has passed away, and the importance of permission in these scenarios.

Understanding the Ethical Question

First, consider the basic ethical question: Are you ethically justified in using and displaying personal artifacts that belong to someone else? This question is particularly relevant if the artifacts are owned by a living individual or were owned by a deceased person whose rights and wishes need to be considered.

Ownership and Copyright

If the owner is still alive, the situation is straightforward from a legal and ethical standpoint. They have the right to decide how their personal items are used and displayed. If they give you permission, you can use and display these items within their approved scope. If they do not give permission, you should refrain from doing so as it may be considered a violation of their privacy and a breach of trust.

Permission from the Next of Kin

If the person has died, the ethical considerations shift towards the ownership of the items and the rights of the deceased's next of kin. In most jurisdictions, the copyright and ownership rights of the deceased are inherited by their next of kin. It is ethically and legally prudent to consult with the next of kin to gain their permission before displaying the personal artifacts.

Custodian or Friend's Perspective

What if you are merely a custodian or friend of the original owner, and the owner is no longer alive? In this case, the ethical responsibility lies in respecting the original owner's wishes. If the owner did not leave specific instructions, it is reasonable to assume that they would not want their personal items to be published or displayed without permission. Therefore, it is ethical to keep these items in personal possession and not share them publicly unless the next of kin grants consent.

Professional Ethics and Morality

Professional ethics, such as those applicable to doctors, lawyers, educators, and philosophers, have their own specific codes. However, in the absence of such specific guidelines, ethics in general are a matter of personal morality. If you value trustworthiness and respect for privacy, it is ethically sound to seek permission from the original owner, or their next of kin if deceased, before using or displaying their personal items.

Considerations for Public Display

When considering the public display of such personal items, several factors need to be taken into account. First, does the display serve a legitimate purpose beyond mere self-interest? For example, is it to educate, inform, or preserve a historical record? If the display does not serve a significant and benevolent purpose, it may be considered unethical.

Conclusion

Using and displaying personal artifacts is an ethical minefield, especially when dealing with sensitive materials such as diaries, letters, phone calls, and texts. The key ethical principle is respect for privacy and the wishes of the original owner or their next of kin. Seek permission, consider the implications, and respect the boundaries set by those whose personal items you wish to display. Ethical considerations ensure that we maintain respect for the individuals whose stories these items tell.