Analyzing the Ethics of “The Godfather” Scene: Mill/Utilitarianism and Aristotle’s Perspectives

Introduction

“The Godfather” is a renowned movie that delves into the intricate workings of the Corleone crime family and their involvement in organized crime. This paper aims to analyze a scene from the movie through the philosophical lenses of John Stuart Mill/Utilitarianism and Aristotle. By exploring the ethical dimensions of a particular scene, we can gain insights into the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and evaluate their actions based on these philosophical frameworks.

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Scene Selection and Ethical Intricacies

The scene chosen for analysis is the iconic “horse head” scene in “The Godfather,” where the Corleones send a severed horse head to a film producer who refused to cast their godson in a movie. This scene presents an ethically interesting dilemma, as it raises questions about the use of intimidation and violence to achieve personal ends.

In this scene, the Corleones employ a brutal and intimidating act to send a message to the film producer. By severing a horse’s head and placing it in the producer’s bed, they aim to demonstrate the consequences of crossing their family. The act is intended to instill fear and compel compliance through violence and coercion.

The ethical intricacies of this scene lie in the conflict between personal interests and the means used to achieve them. It prompts us to consider the justifiability of resorting to violence and intimidation as a means of exerting control or pursuing one’s goals. This scene invites us to analyze the moral implications of the Corleones’ actions and assess them within the frameworks of Mill/Utilitarianism and Aristotle’s virtue ethics.

Mill/Utilitarian Perspective

John Stuart Mill, a prominent utilitarian philosopher, prioritized the maximization of overall happiness and the minimization of harm. From a Mill/Utilitarian standpoint, the consequences of the Corleones’ actions in the “horse head” scene would be the primary focus. Utilitarians would consider the potential happiness or well-being of the Corleone family against the suffering caused to the film producer and others impacted by their actions.

In this scene, the Corleones employ violence and intimidation to achieve their desired outcome. Utilitarians would engage in a consequentialist analysis, evaluating the overall happiness or well-being generated by the Corleones’ actions. They would consider the potential benefits, such as maintaining the Corleone family’s reputation and preserving their power, and weigh them against the negative consequences, such as the psychological harm inflicted on the film producer and the potential destabilization of the larger community.

By employing the principle of utility, utilitarians would assess whether the happiness or well-being generated by the Corleones’ actions outweighs the suffering caused. They would seek to determine if alternative actions could have achieved the same desired outcome without resorting to violence and intimidation. Ultimately, utilitarians would make a judgment based on the overall consequences of the scene and its impact on the happiness and well-being of those involved.

Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics

Aristotle’s virtue ethics provides an alternative perspective for analyzing the “horse head” scene in “The Godfather.” Aristotle emphasized the cultivation of virtuous character traits to lead a fulfilling life. In examining this scene, Aristotle would focus on the virtues and vices exhibited by the characters and evaluate their actions accordingly.

The Corleones’ loyalty to their family and their willingness to protect their interests at any cost are central character traits in this scene. From an Aristotelian perspective, the actions of the Corleones would be evaluated based on virtues such as justice, courage, and friendship. Aristotle would assess whether the characters’ actions align with these virtues and contribute to their moral excellence.

In the “horse head” scene, the Corleones display their loyalty and commitment to their family by taking drastic measures to assert their power and protect their interests. However, Aristotle’s virtue ethics would question the means they employed, as the use of violence and intimidation contradicts the ideals of justice and kindness. Aristotle would argue that true moral excellence lies in acting in accordance with the virtues, even when facing challenges or conflicts of interest.

Aristotle’s perspective prompts us to reflect on whether the Corleones’ actions truly align with the virtues they value. While they demonstrate loyalty and determination, their resort to violence raises ethical concerns within an Aristotelian framework. This analysis highlights the tension between personal loyalty and the pursuit of virtuous action in the context of the Corleones’ actions.

Textual Support and Application

To effectively apply the moral frameworks of Mill/Utilitarianism and Aristotle, it is crucial to refer to the texts and writings of these philosophers. By selecting direct quotes, we can substantiate our analysis and provide a deeper understanding of their moral theories.

John Stuart Mill, in his work “Utilitarianism,” emphasizes the principle of maximizing overall happiness. He argues, “The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation” (Mill, 2023). This quote underscores the utilitarian focus on the consequences of actions and the pursuit of the greatest overall happiness. When evaluating the “horse head” scene, utilitarians would consider the potential happiness generated by the Corleones’ actions against the harm caused to others.

Aristotle’s virtue ethics, as presented in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” stresses the cultivation of virtuous character traits. He asserts, “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly” (Aristotle, 350 BCE, Book II, Chapter 3, para. 4). This quote emphasizes the importance of virtuous actions in shaping one’s character. When examining the “horse head” scene, an Aristotelian analysis would focus on whether the Corleones’ actions align with virtues such as justice, courage, and friendship.

By referencing these texts, we can effectively apply the moral frameworks of Mill/Utilitarianism and Aristotle to analyze the ethical complexities of the scene. These quotes provide insights into the philosophers’ perspectives and serve as foundations for evaluating the Corleones’ actions within each philosophical framework.

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Student’s Opinion

In analyzing the “horse head” scene from “The Godfather” through the perspectives of Mill/Utilitarianism and Aristotle’s virtue ethics, several thought-provoking insights emerge. As I reflect on the moral implications of this scene, I am compelled to consider the broader societal and cultural context in which the characters operate.

From a utilitarian standpoint, the consequences of the Corleones’ actions would be weighed against the overall happiness and well-being of those involved. While the scene showcases the Corleones’ commitment to protecting their family, the use of violence and intimidation raises ethical concerns. It is difficult to justify the harm caused to the film producer and potential societal repercussions. Moreover, the utilitarian calculation would require considering alternative non-violent means to achieve the desired outcome, especially when it comes to matters of personal ambition and power.

From an Aristotelian perspective, the Corleones’ actions in the scene reveal the tension between their loyalty to family and the virtuous ideals of justice, kindness, and courage. Although their loyalty is admirable, the means they employ do not align with the virtues Aristotle promotes. Virtuous actions should involve acting justly and ethically even in challenging circumstances, rather than resorting to violence and intimidation.

The presence of this moral dilemma in “The Godfather” highlights the complex nature of the society depicted in the film. It prompts us to consider the influence of power dynamics, familial loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a world dominated by organized crime. The scene raises broader questions about the moral fabric of society and the choices individuals make when faced with conflicting ethical considerations.

In my opinion, the “horse head” scene illustrates the ethical dilemmas individuals may encounter when navigating complex systems that value loyalty, power, and personal interests. While it is important to recognize the significance of family and loyalty, it is equally crucial to question the means employed to achieve desired outcomes. Society’s well-being and the pursuit of virtues should not be compromised in the process.

This scene serves as a reminder that even in morally ambiguous contexts, it is essential to uphold ethical principles and critically assess the consequences of our actions. It prompts us to reflect on the type of society we aspire to build—one that values justice, kindness, and the common good over personal gain obtained through coercion and violence.

In conclusion, the “horse head” scene from “The Godfather” presents a compelling moral dilemma that can be analyzed through the lenses of Mill/Utilitarianism and Aristotle’s virtue ethics. By considering the consequences, character virtues, and broader societal implications, we gain valuable insights into the ethical complexities depicted in the film. It underscores the importance of critically examining the means we employ and upholding ethical principles, even in challenging circumstances. Ultimately, it invites us to reflect on the kind of society we wish to cultivate—one that upholds justice, kindness, and the pursuit of the common good.

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