Read chapter 3, watch Week 6 Lecture, and watch the films “Gone Baby Gone” .apply Kant’s moral philosophy to judge the MAIN FINAL action. For “Gone Baby Gone” judge Patrick’s final decision. Judging any other action in the movie is an automatic zero. 500 words minimum in MLA format. Due on December 5th

Title: Applying Kant’s Moral Philosophy to Judge Patrick’s Final Decision in the Film “Gone Baby Gone”

Introduction:
Immanuel Kant, a prominent German philosopher of the 18th century, developed a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of rationality and moral duty. This theory, known as Kantian ethics or deontology, provides a framework for assessing the moral permissibility of actions based on their adherence to moral principles. In the context of the film “Gone Baby Gone,” this analysis will focus on evaluating the main character Patrick’s final decision from a Kantian perspective. By applying Kant’s moral philosophy, we can gain insights into the ethical implications of Patrick’s choice.

Kant’s Moral Philosophy:
Kant’s moral philosophy is grounded in the concept of the categorical imperative, which he argues can serve as a universal moral law. According to Kant, moral actions are those that comply with duty and are guided by a sense of respect for rational beings. He proposes several formulations of the categorical imperative, but one of the most relevant for this analysis is the principle of treating humanity as an end in itself, rather than merely as a means to an end. This formulation requires individuals to never use others for their own purposes, but to always respect their inherent dignity and autonomy.

Analysis of Patrick’s Final Decision:
In the film “Gone Baby Gone,” Patrick, a private investigator, faces a difficult moral dilemma when he discovers the whereabouts of a missing child. He has to decide whether to reveal the child’s location to the authorities or honor the biological mother’s wishes to keep her child. Patrick’s final decision is to go against the mother’s wishes and reveal the child’s location to the police. To assess the ethical implications of this decision, we can analyze it through Kant’s moral philosophy.

Firstly, Patrick’s decision adheres to Kant’s principle of treating humanity as an end in itself. By disclosing the child’s location to the authorities, he respects the child’s well-being and ensures that it is protected from potential harm or neglect. This action reflects a sense of duty toward the child’s welfare and acknowledges the value of human life.

Secondly, Patrick’s decision exemplifies Kant’s emphasis on rationality. Kant argues that human beings possess the ability to reason and should act in accordance with their rational capacity. By making a rational judgment based on the child’s best interests and potential harm in staying with the biological mother, Patrick demonstrates his adherence to this aspect of Kant’s philosophy. He prioritizes the child’s well-being over the desires of the mother, recognizing that rationality and foresight should guide moral decisions.

Furthermore, Patrick’s decision aligns with another key aspect of Kant’s philosophy – the autonomy of rational beings. Kant argues that individuals have the capacity to make decisions based on their own rational judgment and should be treated as autonomous agents. By disclosing the child’s location to the authorities, Patrick respects the autonomy of the child as a rational being. He recognizes that the child’s interests and potential for a better life should not be overridden by the mother’s desires, which may be influenced by personal biases or incapacity to provide proper care.

However, it is important to acknowledge that Kantian ethics may not provide a definitive answer on the moral permissibility of Patrick’s decision. Kant’s moral philosophy defines principles for assessing the morality of actions, but it does not provide specific guidelines for resolving real-life dilemmas. Therefore, moral judgments can still be subjective, and some may argue that Patrick’s decision conflicts with Kant’s other formulations of the categorical imperative.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, when analyzing Patrick’s final decision in the film “Gone Baby Gone” through the lens of Kant’s moral philosophy, we can observe its alignment with several key principles. Patrick’s decision exhibits a respect for humanity, rationality, and the autonomy of rational beings. By disclosing the child’s location to the authorities, he prioritizes the child’s well-being and acts in accordance with his duties and a sense of moral responsibility. However, it is crucial to note that Kantian ethics alone may not conclusively determine the moral permissibility of an action, and further ethical considerations may be required to deepen our understanding of complex moral dilemmas.