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Superhero Ethics

Superhero Ethics

  1. Introduction- Selecting the Character

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with morals and moral judgment of individuals. Over the years, different scholars have come up with different applications of these ethics, where six of these are discussed and applied below. The selected superhero for this presentation is Batman. Due to his work and physical strength, Batman faces all kinds of ethical issues. The main ethical issue that often puts Batman in a dilemma is ‘to kill or not kill.’

  1. Ethical Problem

Batman has teamed up with a group of people from the criminal justice department to rid Gotham of organized crime. The Joker has killed many people over the years, and Batman has had the chance to kill the joker. However, he is often caught up in the ethical issue that he would be no better than a criminal himself if he kills the Joker. On the other hand, the failure to kill the Joker, given Batman’s strength and abilities, would endanger more people. Thus, the individual who would be held responsible for the other deaths if the Joker continues his homicidal acts. Wouldn’t Batman be indirectly responsible?

  1. Utilitarianism (Consequentialism, Teleology)

White (2010) notes that utilitarianism refers to a system of ethics that requires us to maximize the total happiness or wellbeing resulting from our actions.’ Joker’s actions are detrimental to the entire society. Therefore, the utilitarian argument would be that Batman should kill the joker to prevent him from killing more people who would benefit the majority. If Batman was to go down that route, he would be going against his beliefs but would have saved society. Batman believes in good and even tells the Joker, “This city just showed you that it’s full of people ready to believe in good.” However, it is also important to acknowledge that while this action may save the city, there may be other criminals who come up, and Batman would be expected to kill, making him a killer.

  1. Kantian Ethics (Deontology)

White  (2010) note that, “Deontologists judge the morality of an act based on features intrinsic to the act itself, regardless of the consequences stemming from the act.” Batman could use this school of ethics by looking at the act of killing the Joker itself.  Killing is wrong no matter the intentions behind the killing. Therefore, Batman should refrain from killing and remain as the ‘good person.’ Batman states that “This city just showed you that it’s full of people ready to believe in good.” He should stick by these principles that he and the society in which he lives believe in.

  1. Relativism

From the module notes (2016), “Ethical relativism is the view that ethical values and beliefs are relative to our culture and, according to the concept of relativism, there is no objective right and wrong.” Society shapes the sense of right or wrong, so there is a diversity in the different viewpoints. As such, Batman is right in failing to kill the Joker because that is what his culture is and what society has taught him to behave as.

  1. Virtue ethics

Module notes (2016) indicate that virtue ethics are “one that emphasizes the virtues, or moral character, in contrast to the approach which emphasizes duties or rules.” they are classified into intellectual and moral ethics. Intellectual ethics can help Batman realize that the Joker is a psychopath and sociopath, and therefore no amount of justification would be enough to allow him back into society. Moral ethics will not allow Batman to kill the Joker, coupled with intellectual ethics, to determine the best place to hold the Joker or incapacitate him. He will not commit these atrocities. As Batman says, “Criminals aren’t complicated, Alfred. Just have to figure out what he’s after.” This quote shows that they can work a way around incapacitating the Joker.

  1. Care ethics

Care ethics centers on interpersonal relationships. However, there is usually a consideration for other vulnerable individuals in the decision making process. Kyle (2010) cites an example of the ethics of care, “works hard to build trust in her relationships with her patients, consistently advocating on their behalf, and refusing to deceive, lie, or bully in order to acquire information, even when she is ordered to do so.” with this scenario in mind, Batman should look into the relationship that they have with the Joker. However, the citizens who are the vulnerable populations should also be considered as Batman has a duty of care to them. As such, the decision should center on protecting these vulnerable populations since they do not have an interpersonal relationship with the Joker.

  1. Egoism

The module notes, “Ethical egoism is an ethical theory that focuses on self-interest as a primary basis for ethical decision making” (Module notes, 2016). Batman’s self-interest, although not a major thematic area, is clear where he joins the task force of eliminating crime so that he can lead a normal life with Rachel. It is also evident when he fails to kill the Joker for his personal needs. However, this ethical egoism can be used if Batman continues to think for himself alone. He would kill the Joker and perhaps have saved Rachel, and he would lead a happy life.

  1. Results of the Actions/Aftermath

The aftermath of the decisions that Batman would take on is divided into two strands. There are the decisions that he would take, and the greater good is saved. However, there is the limitation of the greater good being only for a short while as there could be the emergence of other criminals, which is negative aftermath. The second strand is where Batman decides that he is the most important characteristic of his story. As such, all the decisions will be based on what satisfies him best. He could decide to kill or not kill, depending on what he feels is the best decision from his inner self.

  1. Conclusion

Undoubtingly, ethics are important points to start from when making decisions. However, often people such as Batman find themselves in ethical dilemmas. Batman, as a superhero, is expected to behave as such and therefore save more people. However, his personal beliefs and virtues prohibit this making him go against the norm. This provides a lesson for all of us to ensure that we follow that which feels right now, even if it may be against the common practice.

 

 

References

Kyle, R. (2010). “You Care for Everybody” Cameron’s Ethics of Care. In Irwin, W., & Johnson, D. K. (Eds.). (2010). Introducing philosophy through pop culture. John Wiley & Sons

Module Notes. (2016).

White, M. (2020). Why Doesn’t Batman Kill the Joker? In Irwin, W., & Johnson, D. K. (Eds.). (2010). Introducing philosophy through pop culture. John Wiley & Sons

 

 

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