“Extreme Measure” from Kant’s and Betham’s Perspective Essay

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Extreme Measure is a thriller film that was released in 1996 and is predominantly based on a name of the same name authored by Michael Palmer published in the wake of 1991. The novel explores the dynamics of ethics and the manner as individuals we are willing to sacrifice or go an extra mile in order to change the society.

Examining the concepts prompted in Kant’s deontological ethics, the film offers an insight into what Kant assumes to be morally acceptable aspects. These aspects form what we see in an individual as the ethical agents which supports ones rational actions individually. This illustrates that individual morals are ascribed in large by individual rationalism. This is testified in the film by Dr. Guy Luthan who reflects the Kants concept of motive as a key ingredient of individual ethical directions.

Examining the film from the lens of Bethams argument, we find that the Dr. Lawrence Myrick illuminates what Betham viewed as the utmost good for all through his utilitarianism assumption. This concept as is reflected in the film is against the ethical aspects of sacrifice. This is illustrated by Dr.Myrick attitudes which destroyed a considerable ratio of lives without prior consideration. Though, the doctor had good intention but his motives were extremely wrong.

Exploring the dynamics of utilitarianism it would be instrumental to argue that in regard to the film it lacks the autonomous virtue of personal morality and ethical values.

Kant argues that an action can only be defined as good if done in good will or from the scope of pure duty. This argument is well demonstrated in the film in that universal law is depicted as an act of being ethical without treating others as an end to specific ills. It is thus essential to understand that moral issues are paramount in determining an end.

More so, according to Kant’s assumption, morality is a universal dynamic that is autonomous with an individual. This illustrates that as an individual we have the power to determine if to act in good will or not. The complexity of this assumption is demonstrated by contrasting interests of both doctors.

Examining the approaches of Dr.Myrick it can be assumed that he employed the aspects of classic utilitarianism. According to Bentham this asserts that we should always do whatever sets the balance of amusement over pain. And this thus shows that Dr. Myrick assumes moral aspects to be just unstable rules.

Hence, playing the role of the almighty thinking the weak are essentially not needed in the greater society. Examining the theory of utilitarianism we find that the film offers a candid insight into effect it has on morals. In broader context Dr.Myrick can be said to be a symbolic representation of this assumption ethically. Though, this theory is seen to be effective however, on moral context Bentham seems to suggest that ethical issues should not exceed the moral good of the society.

The ethical imperative expressed in Kant’s theory reflects the ethical approach exposed in the films plotline. This can be attributed to the fact that the film seems to suggest that we ought as individuals to treat other humans as an end not a means to end an end. Also, Kants aspects as played out in the film tend to illustrate that human ought to have a positive approach towards each other.

Hence, this assumption conflicts with Bentham understanding of moral obligations or pure duty in regard to the willful doing of good. Exploring the dynamics presented by the two men in regard to this film it is imperative that you understand the innate reflection of their thoughts on ethics.

Using the philosophical considerations of Bentham Utilitarianism assumption, the film offers moral and ethical exposure concerning Dr.Myrick. The theory provides the candid effects of moral obligations on individual and the misguided desires to do well. This is illustrated by the manner the doctor sees and perceives his actions without any objectivity. Hence, the doctor assumes reason or ethical aspects are not the final authority in regard to his actions.

On the other hand we find Kants theory which is based on the moral dynamics contrasts with Benthams hypothesis. This well illustrated in the manner the theory is based on the ability of doing what creates the greatest joy. Based on that theory we find Dr. Luthans approaches to human needs to be more plausible.

Though in the film we find him blanketed by two core dilemmas, that is deciding who is to go the operating room and his discovery of primitive ventures of his fellow surgeon, Dr.Myrick. Examining the manner he takes the issues of Rosenstand provides a profound understanding of the value of ethics. Therefore, in such a situation as concerns the film Kant’s theory is more engaging in that it evaluates individual willingness to provide happiness without prejudice or malice.

The films present the two men conflicting moral aspects. Hence, to understand the innate difference it would be therefore essential to understand the diverse theories regarding universal aspects of virtue and morality.

In conclusion both Kant and Bentham offer a candid insight into the value individual’s places in ethical elements in life. Looking at the manner the film was packaged it provides a real picture of Kants deontological ethics and Bentham utilitarianism concepts in regard to ethics.

Note that though Dr.Myrick intention was to cure the world his goal was in essence commendable, but his methods and approaches went against the ethical standards. That is why in the film we see Kant’s theory being given a broader angle in that it offers a greater sense in what we do as individuals.

The scope of ethics plays a central role in our lives. As individuals we have the duty to decide whether to act for the few as is with Benthams Utilitarianism theory, or act in accordance with the Kants assumption which calls for doing the utmost good for all. Looking at the manner the film has been developed and presented the two ethical theories explored reflects our innate personalities and perceptions.

The film touches on issues of ethical values in our society today. In regard to what transpire in the film utilitarianism can be defined as a moral approach is tied to making the majorities happy. Hence, Dr.Myrick is depicted as a utilitarian due to the manner he conducts his business and approach to fellow human beings. His attitudes can be linked to Consequentialism which asserts we ought to do whatsoever maximizes excellent outcomes. It does not in itself care what manner of activities we do.

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IvyPanda. (2018, September 19). "Extreme Measure" from Kant's and Betham's Perspective. https://ivypanda.com/essays/betham-and-kant/

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""Extreme Measure" from Kant's and Betham's Perspective." IvyPanda, 19 Sept. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/betham-and-kant/.

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IvyPanda. 2018. ""Extreme Measure" from Kant's and Betham's Perspective." September 19, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/betham-and-kant/.

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