Phhil 250 standard study sheet Saving Private Ryan

Ethics-Phil 250

Saving Private Ryan

For this film I will ask for the most of you as we are at the end of the class.  In the past, I have directed our study of the film in a very focused way moving toward a more advanced (and deeper learning experience) study sheet like we did with True Grit where I asked for longitudinal character study.  With this film I ask that you pull the scenes from the film and make an analysis of them using one or both methods (Consequentialism [Mill] or Deontology [Kant]).

What I want you to do is the following;

·         Identify three scenes from the movie that contains a moral dilemma. (example: When the General and the Colonels are arguing if they should go after the last Ryan brother, one uses deontology [it is just the right thing to do despite the consequences] and others argue the consequences are too high) You may use this example.

·         Identify one or both methods used and who uses it.

·         Outline the scene from the movie that illuminates the elements of the moral dilemma and the argument.

·         Outline the argument(s) offered.

·         Connect these arguments to either consequentialism and/or deontology.

·         Tell us the result.

·         Discuss if it was the best result given the moral arguments at your disposal.

 

Refresher on Method:

Deontology: Things are “just right or wrong” Malum in se if you like.  It is the intention of the agent that counts, what did he or she intend to have happen.  Consequences of an action do not count in the calculation- we can’t accurately forecast actions so do not consider consequences in your choices.  Are people treated as we would want to be treated? The moral needs of the individual can override the needs of a group if a moral law has been identified. Remember how to formulate a moral law (language and logic).

Consequentialism: Things are wrong as they tend, or do produce happiness or reduce pain.  The consequences of an action are what is important.  We try with the best data to forecast results and go with it.  The moral needs of an individual rarely, if ever override the needs of the group.  The collective group is more valuable than one individual.  A decision matrix is the best way to proceed but often there is not time so a “rough” decision must be made based on consequences.

 

Hint: I will want to see at least one moral law formulated and at least one decision matrix.  The actors in the film do not formally do this, but informally they do.  Look for it.  On the last exam, I will ask you to formulate both a moral law and create a decision matrix.