Duties and Consequences
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Duties and Consequences
This essay will focus on Immanuel Kant’s deontological and Mill’s consequentialist ethical theories in relation to the movie, Casablanca. Deontology is the study of morals. Kant’s ethical theory argues that since human beings are capable of thinking rationally, then it is their duty to do the right thing both to one self as well as to others. To him, the right thing is not determined by the consequences of an action. As long as an action is not universally acceptable, then one should refrain from doing it. Mill’s ethical theory, on the other hand, argues that an action is proved whether it is right or wrong by its consequences. To him, as long …show more content…
During this time, many people were seeking refuge to America and the only escape route was via Morocco, Casablanca. The lead character in the movie goes by the name Rick Blaine. He considers himself as a self-centered person and even says that he doesn’t stick his neck out for anybody. Rick owns a night club which during this time becomes a center for the Nazi resistance to doing business. This business begins when Ugarte who regularly visits the night club gives Rick some letters of transit to keep them safely. He would later sell them to the highest bidder in the evening. However, this plot fails when Urgate is arrested by a police officer who is corrupt namely Renault. Like Rick, Renault does things for his own interests though Rick insists constantly that he does not take sides in any matters politics included. It happens that Ilsa, who was Rick’s lover in Paris, comes with her husband Laszlo to Rick’s night club to purchase transit …show more content…
Renault was not a loyal friend to Rick and whatever he did, he did it for his own selfish gains. He is therefore friends with people who are in power. This is why he arrested Urgate to please Strasser his superior. However, Renault shows transformation when Strasser pressures him to close down Rick’s night club. He refuses and also stops collaborating with the Nazis. This demonstrates his sacrifice of self interests for Rick and other citizens.
In conclusion, their transformation clearly shows that the duty of care is achieved by helping others as by so doing, happiness for the greater good is also attained. I would therefore, side with Rick who shifted from the deontological to the Utilitarian ethical approach. This is because the outcome of his decision was largely based by his choice of action. His choice to save the larger population despite his pain was the most rational, moral and ethical thing to
Student’s Name
Learning Institution
Duties and Consequences
This essay will focus on Immanuel Kant’s deontological and Mill’s consequentialist ethical theories in relation to the movie, Casablanca. Deontology is the study of morals. Kant’s ethical theory argues that since human beings are capable of thinking rationally, then it is their duty to do the right thing both to one self as well as to others. To him, the right thing is not determined by the consequences of an action. As long as an action is not universally acceptable, then one should refrain from doing it. Mill’s ethical theory, on the other hand, argues that an action is proved whether it is right or wrong by its consequences. To him, as long …show more content…
During this time, many people were seeking refuge to America and the only escape route was via Morocco, Casablanca. The lead character in the movie goes by the name Rick Blaine. He considers himself as a self-centered person and even says that he doesn’t stick his neck out for anybody. Rick owns a night club which during this time becomes a center for the Nazi resistance to doing business. This business begins when Ugarte who regularly visits the night club gives Rick some letters of transit to keep them safely. He would later sell them to the highest bidder in the evening. However, this plot fails when Urgate is arrested by a police officer who is corrupt namely Renault. Like Rick, Renault does things for his own interests though Rick insists constantly that he does not take sides in any matters politics included. It happens that Ilsa, who was Rick’s lover in Paris, comes with her husband Laszlo to Rick’s night club to purchase transit …show more content…
Renault was not a loyal friend to Rick and whatever he did, he did it for his own selfish gains. He is therefore friends with people who are in power. This is why he arrested Urgate to please Strasser his superior. However, Renault shows transformation when Strasser pressures him to close down Rick’s night club. He refuses and also stops collaborating with the Nazis. This demonstrates his sacrifice of self interests for Rick and other citizens.
In conclusion, their transformation clearly shows that the duty of care is achieved by helping others as by so doing, happiness for the greater good is also attained. I would therefore, side with Rick who shifted from the deontological to the Utilitarian ethical approach. This is because the outcome of his decision was largely based by his choice of action. His choice to save the larger population despite his pain was the most rational, moral and ethical thing to