Ethics Second Written Assignment Read chapter 3, watch Week 6 Lecture, and watch the films “Gone Baby Gone” and “Sleepers”. Pick one movie and apply Kant’s moral philosophy to judge the MAIN FINAL action. For “Gone Baby Gone” judge Patrick’s final decision and for “Sleepers” judge the priest’s final decision. Judging any other action in the movie is an automatic zero. 500 words minimum in MLA format. Due on February 14th

Title: Kant’s Moral Philosophy Applied to Ethical Dilemmas in Film: An Analysis of “Gone Baby Gone” and “Sleepers”

Introduction:
Kantian ethics, formulated by the philosopher Immanuel Kant, is a prominent ethical framework that emphasizes the significance of rationality, goodwill, and moral duty in making ethical decisions. This essay aims to apply Kant’s moral philosophy to judge the main final actions of the protagonists in the films “Gone Baby Gone” and “Sleepers.” Specifically, we will evaluate Patrick’s final decision in “Gone Baby Gone” and the priest’s final decision in “Sleepers” within the framework of Kant’s ethics.

Film Analysis: “Gone Baby Gone”
In “Gone Baby Gone,” Patrick, a private investigator, is faced with an ethical dilemma when he discovers a kidnapped child. The child’s negligent mother seems unfit to care for her, while the kidnappers assure Patrick that the child will be raised in a loving home. Patrick’s final decision involves rescuing the child and returning her to her biological mother, despite knowing that she may not receive adequate care. Applying Kant’s moral philosophy to Patrick’s decision, we can explore the morality of his action.

According to Kant, moral actions are based on the categorical imperative, which is a universal moral law that should be followed by all rational beings. One formulation of the categorical imperative states, “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law” (Kant, 1785). Patrick’s final decision can be assessed through this lens to determine its ethical validity.

Patrick’s choice to return the child to her biological mother aligns with the categorical imperative. He acts on the principle that children should be with their biological parents, as it is a widely accepted societal norm. By returning the child, Patrick is essentially endorsing a universal law that promotes the preservation of the family unit. From a Kantian perspective, Patrick’s decision can be considered morally right as it aligns with a maxim that can be universally applied.

However, we must also consider the potential harm that could befall the child by returning her to an unfit mother. Kantian ethics prioritize the ethical duty to act in the best interest of others while simultaneously adhering to the categorical imperative. In this case, returning the child to her mother may ignore the child’s well-being and prioritize the fulfillment of societal norms.

On the other hand, Kant argues that the moral worth of an action is not determined solely by the consequences but also by the intention behind the action. If Patrick’s intention is to uphold the universal moral law, which includes the preservation of the family unit, his decision can be seen as morally right, regardless of the potential negative consequences. In this interpretation, Patrick’s intention to adhere to the categorical imperative might outweigh the potential harm to the child, making his decision morally justifiable in a Kantian framework.

Film Analysis: “Sleepers”
In “Sleepers,” the priest is faced with a complex moral dilemma when confronted with the abuse suffered by a group of young boys at a juvenile detention facility. After years of silence, the boys seek justice and revenge. The priest is one of the few figures aware of their situation and faces the moral decision to protect their secret or disclose the abuse to authorities. Evaluating this decision through the lens of Kant’s ethics can shed light on its moral standing.

Kant’s categorical imperative stresses that moral actions should be based on universally applicable principles. The priest’s final decision to maintain confidentiality and protect the secret could be analyzed as an application of this moral framework. By keeping the abuse a secret, the priest prioritizes maintaining trust and loyalty, values that can be considered integral to societal cohesion and interpersonal relationships.