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Deontology Paper Turnitin Assignment Content Top of Form Ethics

Read chapter 3, watch Week 6 Lecture, and watch the films "Gone Baby Gone" and "Sleepers". Pick one movie and apply Kant's moral philosophy to judge the MAIN FINAL action. For “Gone Baby Gone” judge Patrick’s final decision and for “Sleepers” judge the priest’s final decision. Judging any other action in the movie is an automatic zero. 500 words minimum in MLA format. You must apply Kant's 3 premises (course materials) for 50 points and Michael Sandel's 3 contrasts (Week 6 Lecture "Mind your Motive") for 50 points.

Kant's Three Premises: 1. The first premise is that a person acts morally if his or her conduct would, without condition, be the "right" conduct for any person in similar circumstances (the "First Maxim"). 2. The second premise is that conduct is "right" if it treats others as ends in themselves and not as means to an end (the "Second Maxim"). 3. The conclusion is that a person acts morally when he or she acts as if his or her conduct was establishing a universal law governing others in similar circumstances (the "Third Maxim").

Paper For Above Instructions

The realm of ethics, particularly deontology, provides a structured avenue through which individuals can assess moral dilemmas. This paper aims to apply Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy to evaluate the final decision made by Patrick in the film "Gone Baby Gone." Through Kant's framework, which consists of three essential premises, along with Michael Sandel's insights on morality, freedom, and reason, we will discern the moral implications of Patrick’s actions.

Kant's Moral Philosophy and Ethics

Kant's deontological ethics emphasize duty, moral laws, and the importance of intention behind actions rather than consequences. According to Kant, true morality is founded on the universal application of moral principles. To understand Patrick's final decision, we will analyze it against Kant’s three premises.

First Maxim: Universal Law

The first premise posits that an action is moral if it can be universalized. In "Gone Baby Gone," Patrick's decision to return the kidnapped girl, Amanda, can be considered universally applicable to any detective faced with a similar circumstance. If every detective were to prioritize the safety and well-being of the victim over personal gain or any other considerations, this would lead to a just society where children are protected, and justice prevails. Therefore, according to Kant's first maxim, Patrick's action exemplifies moral conduct.

Second Maxim: Treating Others as Ends

Kant's second maxim states that individuals must always treat others as ends in themselves and never merely as means to an end. Patrick's decision respects Amanda's dignity as a human being. While other characters, such as the kidnappers, exploit her for their motives, Patrick's intention focuses on her safety and autonomy. By choosing to return Amanda rather than pursuing a personal agenda, he affirms her status as an end in herself, consistent with Kant's deontological framework. In this light, Patrick's action reflects ethical conduct that honors the intrinsic value of human life.

Third Maxim: Universal Law Establishment

Finally, Kant's third maxim asserts that a moral action must be viewed as setting a precedent for universal law. Here, Patrick's decision to report the kidnapping and return Amanda portrays what should be expected of all detectives. If all detectives were to act as Patrick did, society would benefit from a system where individuals prioritize the protection of vulnerable individuals. The implications of Patrick's moral action extend beyond individual circumstances, striving to set a universal standard for others in similar situations.

Michael Sandel's Three Contrasts

In conjunction with Kant's three premises, we examine Michael Sandel's three contrasts: morality, freedom, and reason, as highlighted in his lecture "Mind Your Motive." Sandel emphasizes that morality should be intrinsically tied to duty, reinforcing Kant's position that ethical decisions are driven by obligations rather than outcomes. For Patrick, the notion of duty to protect innocent lives dictates his actions, aligning with the highest ethical standards.

Moreover, Sandel's contrast of freedom relates to the determination of will, illustrating that genuine freedom lies in the ability to make moral choices aligned with ethical duties. Patrick exercises his freedom by choosing to act in a morally responsible manner, thereby enriching his character and validating his moral autonomy.

Lastly, in regards to reason, Kantian ethics resonate with the logical evaluation of moral dilemmas. Patrick’s decision is anchored in rationality, as it adheres to the dictates of moral law. His choice is not made in haste but is the outcome of deliberate reasoning based on ethical precepts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Patrick’s final decision in "Gone Baby Gone" exemplifies a profound alignment with Kant's moral philosophy. By evaluating his actions against the three premises of Kant's deontology and incorporating Sandel's contrasting insights, it is evident that Patrick's choice is grounded in moral duty, respect for human dignity, and the establishment of a universal moral law. His commitment to returning Amanda not only embodies ethical principles but also sets a standard for future conduct in morally complex situations.

References

• Kant, Immanuel. "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals." Cambridge University Press, 1997.
• Sandel, Michael. "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009.
• Sandel, Michael. "Mind Your Motive." Lecture, Week 6, YouTube, 2023.
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