Should Batman Kill the Joker?

Batman's No-Killing Rule

• Batman firmly believes in not killing: "Absolutely not."
• His ethics align with Kantianism:
  • Adheres to moral rules without exceptions.
  • Kills are on the wrong side of the line.

The Dilemma

• Joker will continue to kill after being released from Arkham.
• Batman's inaction may lead to more victims.
• Questions morality of not killing when it could save lives.

Kantian Ethics

• Kantianism (by Immanuel Kant):
  • Focus on sticking to moral rules.
  • No exceptions for violating these rules.
• Batman’s code reflects this philosophy.

Utilitarianism: Another Ethical Perspective

• Utilitarianism focuses on consequences rather than intent.
• Founded by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill; rooted in ancient Greek philosophy.
• Happiness and pleasure as the final end of actions.

Principle of Utility

• Act to produce the greatest good for the greatest number.
• Morality should not solely focus on individual pleasure but the collective good.
• Encourages selflessness and considers the happiness of others.

The Hedonistic Approach

• Utilitarianism is seen as hedonistic:
  • Good = Pleasant.
  • Pursuit of pleasure is moral.
• Not egoistic; it’s about the collective happiness of all sentient beings.

Making Fair Decisions

• Utilitarians advocate for a disinterested spectator perspective:
  • Consider what one would advise a group of strangers, not just personal interests.

Thought Experiment: Jim’s Dilemma

• Scenario by Bernard Williams:
  • Jim can save 19 lives by killing one innocent man.
  • Utilitarianism demands he kills, but Kantianism argues against it.
• This highlights the challenges in utilitarian moral theory.

Act vs. Rule Utilitarianism

• Act Utilitarianism: Choose actions for the greatest good in specific situations.
• Rule Utilitarianism: Follow rules that generally lead to the greatest good.
  • Focus on long-term societal impacts rather than short-term gains.

Conclusion

• If Batman were a utilitarian, the Joker’s fate would likely be different.
• Next lecture will cover contractarianism as another moral theory.