Describe how ethical values impacted the decisions of the movie characters?

Les Miserables Reflection Paper

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.