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1.
PUBLIC OPINION
24. The means of social
communication are a public forum where every man may exchange ideas. The public
expression and the confrontation of different opinions that occur within this
dialogue influence and enrich the development of society and further its
progress.
25. Public opinion is an
essential expression of human nature organized in a society. This opinion is
formed in the following way. In everyone there is an innate disposition to give
vent to opinions, attitudes and emotions in order to reach a general acceptance
on convictions and customs. Pius XII describes public opinion as "the
natural echo of actual events and situations as reflected more or less spontaneously
in the minds and judgements of men". 33 So freedom of speech is a
normal factor in the growth of public opinion which expresses the ideas and
reactions of the more influential circles in a society defined by geography,
culture and history.
26. If public opinion is to
emerge in the proper manner, it is absolutely essential that there be freedom
to express ideas and attitudes. In accordance with the express teaching of the
Second Vatican Council it is necessary unequivocally to declare that freedom of
speech for individuals and groups must be permitted so long as the common good
and public morality be not endangered. 34 In order that men may
usefully cooperate and further improve the life of the community, there must be
freedom to assess and compare differing views which seem to have weight and
validity. Within this free interplay of opinion, there exists a process of give
and take, of acceptance or rejection, of compromise or compilation. And within
this same process, the more valid ideas can gain ground so that a consensus
that will lead to common action becomes possible.
27. Communicators have,
therefore, a most important part to play in forming public opinion. They have
to gather up different views and compare them and transmit them so that people
can understand and make a proper decision.
28. Every citizen is expected
to play his part in the formation of public opinion. If needs be, he must do
this through representatives who reflect his own views. 35 Those who
exert influence because of the office they hold or because of their natural
talent or for any other reason, have an important part to play in forming
public opinion: they help to do so whenever they express their views. The greater
their quality of leadership, the greater is their responsibility to exert it in
this way.
29. The process of promoting
- in what is sometimes referred to as a "propaganda campaign"- with a
view to influencing public opinion is justified only when it serves the truth
and its objectives and methods accord with the dignity of man and when it
promotes causes that are in the public interest. These causes may concern
either individuals or groups, one's own country or the world at large.
30. Some types of propaganda
are inadmissable. These include those that harm the public interest or allow of
no public reply. Any propaganda that deliberately misrepresents the real
situation, or that distorts men's minds with half-truths, selective reporting
or serious omissions, that diminishes man's legitimate freedom of decision,
this propaganda should be rejected. It is necessary to stress this because the
power of propaganda is increasing. And its power is being augmented by the
growth of behavioural sciences like that of psychology and of the technical
resources at the disposal of the communications media.
31. Not every opinion that is
given publicity should be taken as a true expression of that public opinion
which is held by a significant number of people. A number of differing opinions
can flourish at the same time in the same area, though, usually, one has a
greater following than the others. The opinion of the majority, however, is not
necessarily the best or the closest to the truth.
Public opinion, moreover, changes often. The
same idea sometimes gains and sometimes loses hold of the public. Because of
this, it is prudent to maintain a certain detachment toward the opinions
currently in public vogue. There may well be good reasons that require one to
oppose them.
32. However views openly and
commonly expressed which reflect the aspirations of the people should always be
carefully considered. This is especially binding on those in authority, whether
civil or religious.
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