Lecture Notes: Should Batman Kill the Joker?

Introduction

• Ethical Dilemma: Whether Batman should kill the Joker, considering his strict no-kill rule.
• Argument: Is it morally pure to not kill, or morally dirty for not stopping a killer?

Batman's Ethics

Kantian Ethics

• Immanuel Kant's Philosophy: Sticking to the moral rulebook without exceptions.
• Batman as Kantian: Adheres strictly to his code against killing.

Utilitarianism

• Focus on Consequences: Moral value of actions is based on outcomes.
• Founders: Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, with roots in Greek philosophy.
• Main Idea: Pursue pleasure and happiness, avoid pain.

Principles of Utilitarianism

Hedonistic Moral Theory

• Pleasure = Good: Morality should aim for the greatest happiness.
• Other-Regarding: Pursue happiness for as many beings as possible.

The Principle of Utility

• Maximize Good: Act to produce the greatest good for the greatest number.

Challenges in Utilitarianism

Bias and Fairness

• Personal Bias: Overcoming self-interest in moral decisions.
• Benevolent, Disinterested Spectator: Making fair judgments from an unbiased standpoint.

Thought Experiments

Bernard Williams' Scenario

• Jim's Dilemma: Shoot one to save nineteen or refuse and cause more deaths.
• Critique: Utilitarianism demands action that involves moral compromise.

Moral Decision-Making

• Utilitarianism's Demands: Sometimes requires difficult, morally questionable actions.
• Duty to Act: Inaction can also be considered morally wrong.

Forms of Utilitarianism

Act Utilitarianism

• Immediate Actions: Choose actions for greatest good in specific situations.
• Criticism: May justify morally dubious actions like sacrificing one for many.

Rule Utilitarianism

• General Rules: Rules that usually lead to the greatest good.
• Long-Term View: Avoids short-term actions that may harm societal norms.

Conclusion

• Implications for Batman: Utilitarian perspective might justify killing the Joker.

Upcoming Topics

• Next Lecture: Contractarianism

Additional Resources

• PBS Digital Studios: Partner content and further exploration of related topics.