Faculty Sponsor(s)
Leonard Finkelman
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Subject Area
Philosophy
Description
Superhero films have rarely included political messages within their central narratives, but the filmmakers developing them have a moral obligation to do so. This obligation stems from virtue ethics, which demands that moral actors work to cultivate virtuous qualities within themselves, such as self-reflection and honesty. Developing a superhero film then becomes a process of moral reflection for filmmakers as they consider what are the virtues a truly moral person would need to embody. Because superheroes have the capacity to serve as moral role models, these films also become a means for promoting moral reflection in audience members. Politics is how we determine what is best for members of a given society, and therefore any political commentary included by filmmakers is a natural extension of any moral commentary they are engaging in.
Recommended Citation
Hendrickson, Russell, "Superhero Movies, and Politics: The Moral Obligations of Filmmakers According to Virtue Ethics" (2019). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 83.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2019/all/83
Superhero Movies, and Politics: The Moral Obligations of Filmmakers According to Virtue Ethics
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Superhero films have rarely included political messages within their central narratives, but the filmmakers developing them have a moral obligation to do so. This obligation stems from virtue ethics, which demands that moral actors work to cultivate virtuous qualities within themselves, such as self-reflection and honesty. Developing a superhero film then becomes a process of moral reflection for filmmakers as they consider what are the virtues a truly moral person would need to embody. Because superheroes have the capacity to serve as moral role models, these films also become a means for promoting moral reflection in audience members. Politics is how we determine what is best for members of a given society, and therefore any political commentary included by filmmakers is a natural extension of any moral commentary they are engaging in.
