Morality and the Movies

Morality and the Movies presents the ideal introduction to philosophical ethics for film lovers. Dan Shaw uses a series of sixteen popular films, including Hotel Rwanda, Casablanca, Citizen Kane, A Clockwork Orange, Dead Man Walking and Full Metal Jacket, to illustrate all the major ethical theories and key contemporary moral issues. The book provides a brief summary and philosophical interpretation of each film, with reference throughout to primary philosophical sources. A unique pedagogical feature is that each chapter begins with a five-step summary of the theoretical position in question and a critical evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses through a specific film. Topics covered include:

• divine authority
• the social contract
• moral relativism
• virtue ethics
• freedom and determinism
• euthanasia
• capital punishment
• war and terrorism
• abortion
• business ethics

Ideal for undergraduate students coming to philosophical ethics for the first time, this book utilizes popular film to introduce a central topic in the study of philosophy.

Autorentext

Dan Shaw is Professor of Philosophy and Film at Lock Haven University, USA.

Daniel Shaw is Professor in the Department of Communication and Philosophy, Lock Haven University, USA.

Zusammenfassung
Morality and the Movies presents the ideal introduction to philosophical ethics for film lovers. Dan Shaw uses a series of sixteen popular films, including Hotel Rwanda, Casablanca, Citizen Kane, A Clockwork Orange, Dead Man Walking and Full Metal Jacket, to illustrate all the major ethical theories and key contemporary moral issues. The book provides a brief summary and philosophical interpretation of each film, with reference throughout to primary philosophical sources. A unique pedagogical feature is that each chapter begins with a five-step summary of the theoretical position in question and a critical evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses through a specific film. Topics covered include:- divine authority- the social contract- moral relativism- virtue ethics- freedom and determinism- euthanasia- capital punishment- war and terrorism- abortion- business ethicsIdeal for undergraduate students coming to philosophical ethics for the first time, this book utilizes popular film to introduce a central topic in the study of philosophy.

Inhalt

Introduction: Studying Philosophy Through Film

1. Submission to God's Will in A Man for All Seasons
2. Egoism and Utilitarianism in Casablanca
3. Legal Conventionalism in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence
4. Kant's Man of Good Will and Hotel Rwanda
5. Moral Relativism, Perspectivism and Citizen Kane
   6.Virtue Ethics and Ghost Dog
6. Freedom and Determinism in A Clockwork Orange
7. Sexual Morality and Kinsey
8. Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia and The Sea Inside
9. Capital Punishment and Compassion in Dead Man Walking
10. The morality and meaning of war in Full Metal Jacket
11. Autonomy and Abortion Rights in The Cider House Rules
    13.Gun Control and Bowling for Columbine
12. Terrorism and Counterterrorism in Munich
13. Business Ethics and Wall Street
14. Affirmative Action, Diversity and Remember the Titans
    Conclusion: How Films can Elucidate Philosophies, and Vice Versa
    Further Reading
    Index