Watch the movie Les Miseralbles. Choose which version of the movie you would like to view.
• 1998: Staring Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush – Presented in all talking
• 2012: Hugh Jackman and Russel Crow – Presented in almost all singing.
Write a paper reflecting on the ethical theories portrayed in the movie.
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TITLE PAGE
FORMAT
Find 5 scenes in the movie where you observe an ethical theory in action. 5 scenes for each theory: Duty, Consequentialism, and Cultural Relativism.
• Column 1: Write 1 – 2 sentences to describe the scene
• Column 2: Describe how the ethical theory is portrayed in the scene.
As Example
Duty
Scene Ethical argument
Javert demanded that Valjean stand for a trial for breaking parole even though years had passed and Valjean served as Mayor of a city.
Javert had a duty to others as a police to treat Valjean as a criminal. His duty to do the right thing even though the end result did not make sense, and even though Valjean was really no longer a criminal. He demonstrated fidelity to his profession as a police officer.
Consequentialism
Scene Ethical argument
The Villagers were willing to take even gold fillings from Fantine for re-sale and personal gain.
It was OK to use and abuse a woman for personal gain. It is an example of Hedonism where there is no regard for another person, looking only for personal gain.
Cultural Relativism
Scene Ethical argument
When Fantaine was being abused and mocked by her co-workers because she had a baby when she was not married. Culturally, a woman was shunned by others when she had a baby when she was not married. It was justified because of Culturalism, where right and wrong is determined by your community.
CONCLUSION
Reflecting on what you learned from the movie:
• What impacted you the most and why?
• Did the movie change your ideas surrounding ethics?
• Describe how ethical values impacted the decisions of the movie characters?
• Did the movie give deeper insight on God’s love?
• How will the lessons from the movie impact your leadership practices?
