Morality and the Movies: Reading Ethics Through Film

by Dan Shaw

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This is an introduction to ethical theories and contemporary moral issues through film. "A Filmgoer's Guide to Ethics" presents the ideal introduction to philosophical ethics for film lovers. Dan Shaw uses a series of fifteen 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; and, 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.
  • ISBN10 1441145419
  • ISBN13 9781441145413
  • Publish Date 17 May 2012 (first published 1 January 2012)
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country US
  • Imprint Continuum Publishing Corporation
  • Format Paperback
  • Pages 208
  • Language English