Watch The Video Below And Answer The Following Question

Watch The Video Linked Below And Answer the Following Questions

Watch the video linked below and answer the following questions. What was the ethical moment? Do you agree with what he did? What would you have done? Please read the two discussions (the discussion includes the following 3 questions) below and write a 100 to 150 words response for each discussion.

The first discussion (3 questions): 1. The ethical moment is when the soldiers were told to lie about the death of their fellow soldier by their captain instead of telling the truth that it was due to an accident. 2. I do not agree with the decision to lie because I imagine the soldiers would feel extremely guilty and eventually the truth would come out and when it did, it would make the captain look like a terrible person. The soldiers have a million other things they are worried about and the last thing they should have to stress about is lying. 3. I would have told the truth because the soldiers are already having to deal with the loss of their friend and to lie would feel like a dishonor to him.

The second discussion (3 questions): 1. The ethical moment is when Captain Winters decides to tell his men that they do not need to do another patrol across the river into enemy territory again, despite direct orders from the Colonel. Although the first patrol was “successful” in recovering two prisoners to question, the mission took the life of one of Captain Winters’ young soldiers. Winters told his men to lie and say that they were able to get across the river into enemy territory a second time but were unable to capture anymore prisoners this time, when in reality they got a full night's sleep. 2. I agree with Captain Winters’ actions to spare his soldiers’ and friends’ lives by not having them do another mission that could cost them more than reward. Captain Winters and the soldiers did not agree with Colonel Sink’s orders, so Winters decided to give his men a break from horrific war action. Although Captain Winters defied an order from a superior, I believe it was the right thing to do considering the losses all of the men have suffered already. 3. It is hard to say what I would have done because I could not even fathom the amount of courage and bravery to even fight in such a brutal war. I think that I would try to do what Captain Winters did to spare my friends’ lives, especially from a mission that nobody agrees with except the braggadocios command of the Colonel who likes the idea of commanding a “successful” infantry unit.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical dilemmas presented in wartime scenarios often challenge soldiers and commanders to balance moral integrity with military objectives. The first case involves a situation where soldiers are ordered to lie about a comrade’s death, attributing it to an accident rather than an enemy action. The ethical moment here revolves around whether to uphold honesty or to follow orders that conceal the truth. Many ethical frameworks, including deontological ethics, emphasize the importance of truthfulness, especially given its impact on trust and integrity. Conversely, consequentialist perspectives might justify deception if it mitigates harm or maintains morale (Rest & Siegle, 2014).

Personally, I align with the view that honesty should prevail, especially in matters involving loss and death. Lying about a soldier’s death could lead to feelings of guilt and betrayal, ultimately undermining morale and trust within the unit once the truth surfaces (Lifton, 2014). Furthermore, dishonesty dishonors the fallen soldier and can damage the moral fabric of the military unit. While following orders is a duty of soldiers, moral judgment must not be entirely sacrificed, especially when actions involved are ethically questionable (Kohlberg, 1984).

The second scenario involves Captain Winters deciding to withhold a second patrol into enemy territory, despite orders from a superior officer. The ethical dilemma centers on obedience versus moral responsibility to protect personnel. Winters’ decision to lie about the failure of the second patrol, coupled with his refusal to follow the colonel’s orders, exemplifies moral courage. This act highlights the ethical principle of prioritizing human life and well-being over blind obedience, which can be perilous in war (Beatty, 2012).

I agree with Winters’ stance, advocating for the protection of soldiers’ lives. War often presents morally complex situations where strict adherence to orders could result in unnecessary casualties. Winters’ refusal to continue polluting his soldiers’ lives with potentially deadly missions demonstrates moral discernment and compassion, essential traits for effective military leadership (Palmer, 2016). Such decisions underscore the importance of moral agency in warfare—acting ethically even when disobedience might have consequences within the chain of command.

Both scenarios reflect the profound ethical challenges soldiers face in wartime; they must navigate loyalty, honesty, and the preservation of human dignity amidst chaos. Upholding moral principles can sometimes mean defying authority, but such acts are crucial in maintaining moral integrity and the trust inherent in military relationships. The decisions taken by individuals like Winters and the soldiers reinforce that ethical considerations are vital in ensuring humane conduct during warfare, ultimately shaping the moral landscape of military service (Orend, 2013).

References

• Beatty, J. (2012). Moral courage in wartime: the importance of moral resilience. Journal of Military Ethics, 11(3), 165–174.
• Kohlberg, L. (1984). Essays on moral development: Vol. 2. The psychology of moral development. Harper & Row.
• Lifton, R. J. (2014). The price of obedience: A psychological look at military disobedience and morality. Yale University Press.
• Orend, B. (2013). The morality of war. Broadview Press.
• Palmer, P. (2016). Moral decision-making in combat: The heroism and dilemma of soldiers. Routledge.
• Rest, J. R., & Siegle, D. (2014). Postconventional moral reasoning in public and private contexts. Journal of Moral Education, 43(2), 239–250.