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Marvel's comic books known as civil war goes through two opposing ethical views that
leads up to the conflict between Iron Man and Captain America. In civil war a
number of events leads to the implementation of the superhuman
Registration Act. The United States government passes the bill to ensure
that all super-powered individuals would have to register their secret identities
and powers with the government in hopes of preventing future tragedies caused by
those with powers and holding them responsible. The conflict in civil war
begins with the pro-registration side led by Tony Stark, the Iron Man, and the
side that believes this is a gross violation of rights led by Captain
America. In this video I'd like to present both of their philosophical
beliefs.
So what is utilitarianism? Utilitarianism is a doctrine whereby individuals
believe that no action or choice is inherently right or wrong. So basically
it stands for the ends justify the means.
A real-life example of this is the use of torture and interrogation. Morally it
may seem awful but to a utilitarian torturing a criminal or prisoner of war
to protect a majority of people or to gain information to achieve any
objective would be justified. In this particular case Ironman takes that
stance. Tony Stark believes that by registering and making your secret
identity not so secret more lives will be saved. it is in his opinion for the
greater good.
The problem with this philosophy however is if it really will be for the greater
good. What's good to one individual may not be the same for another. First tony's
side seems ideal. You have a super hero like spider-man who've been notorious in
keeping his identity a secret to the world
joining the pro registration side briefly and taking off his mask. But
realistically it puts anyone close to him in danger. So would it really be worth it
to do that? Well that thought is what leads to Captain America's philosophy
based on Deontoloy.
Cap[: Tony you chose to do that. If we sign this we surrender our right to choose.
This philosophy is pretty much the opposite of utilitarianism. It focuses on
a moral obligations of an individual and what one ought to do. here the ends do
not justify the means.
historically the German philosopher Immanuel Kant created a list of rules
called the categorical imperative to help individuals with their sense of duty. And
here is that list: [narrator's own twist]
Act only according to that Maxim by which you can also will that it would
become a universal law act in such a way that you always treat humanity weather
in your own person or in the person of any other never simply as a means but
always at the same time as an end every rational being must act as if he were
through his maximum always a legislating member in a universal Kingdom of ends on
On this end Cap see's the registration act as a violation of human rights even if some
are super powered. And based on deontology cap fights for what he believes
or what is morally correct based on his own moral code. Buit Deontology
definitely has its own fault as well. Even though Captain America believes in
the basic principles that define america it does not mean that he is right.
It is in the same way that a German citizen in Nazi Germany would have a
moral obligation to turn in any Jews. So a common criticism of the deontological
moral system is that they provide no clear way to resolve conflicts between
moral duties.
At the end of the day there is no right answer here. It's all up to the reader's
own beliefs and whether they agree with one side or no side at all. Thanks again
to Cam from four letter nerd who did a two part analysis on these two philosophical
beliefs. Check it out by hitting the link in the description below. And if
you enjoyed this video be sure to give it a like. If you would like to support
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