Library Science Research & Work.
2026, 0(8):
14.
Visual information ethics is an important branch of information ethics. At present, the connotation of visual information ethics remains ambiguous and lacks a systematic conceptual framework, resulting in the overgeneralization of both research and practice in this field. Focusing on visual information, this paper first clarifies the essence of “ethics” from a philosophical perspective, and then examines the ethical dimensions embedded within authoritative frameworks of information literacy and visual literacy. It further analyzes ethical misconduct arising in the creation, dissemination, and use of visual information. On this basis, and from the perspectives of philosophy, information science, and practice, visual information ethics is defined as the value norms and codes of conduct that regulate the relationships among humans, society, and nature within visual information activities. The paper subsequently constructs a framework for visual information ethics from four aspects: value objectives, core principles, behavioral norms, and implementation mechanisms. It aims to provide theoretical references and practical guidance for ethical awareness, norm and policy formulation, and information ethics education in the field of visual arts and related domains.