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The Ethics of Batman's Dilemma

Feb 19, 2025

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.