Iron Man 2 - Essay Example

Movie analysis One of the movies that have recently garnered massive public and media attention as well as criticism is “Iron Man 2” a 2010 superhero movie from the “Iron Man” series. Marvel Studios produced the movie basing it on Marvel Comics. Its director Jon Favreau reportedly claims that the movie attracted attention due to the ethical issues therein. Virtue ethics is perceived to be a main approach to normative ethics that accentuates on duty to rules and consequentialism that descends wrongness or rightness from the outcome of a certain act. The approach to moral dilemmas and the pursuit of happiness are important aspects that cannot be ignored in Aristotle’s virtue ethics. This paper shall candidly and comprehensively elucidate on virtue ethics and the issues that surround it by considering its application and/or violation in the movie “Iron Man 2." One of the scenes that can adequately be used to describe virtue ethics in the movie “Iron Man 2” is Iron Man (Tony) and his Stark industries. As an industry that engages in the production of weapons for the American military, Business in this sector can be a persistent quandary for those involved. As the movie begins, Tony Mark has no doubts and strongly believes that the missiles that he creates protect and support American paramilitaries (Casey et al., 12). When Tony goes to Afghanistan to exhibit a newly created missile, a terrorist cell bombs his caravan. Tony looks at the grenade and sees the label “Stark Industries” before it explodes. After its explosion, Tony ends up interspersed with shrapnel and the terrorists easily apprehend him. Even after arrest, Tony does not face the anticipated sufferings. He is saved because the terrorist wanted Tony to create a similar missile for them. Eventually, Tony seepages and returns to his home country where he takes time to essentially reason about what his business does. Through his statements, Tony expresses embarrassment. “I never got to say good-bye to my father….I would have asked him how he felt about what this company did if he was conflicted, if he ever had doubts” (Casey et al., 24). It had dawned on Tony that the terrorists acquired his weapons and were fully using them against the Americans; whom the weapons were meant to defend and safeguard. After this recognition, tony wonders what to do with the company; ethical dilemma skulks in. Despite the sheer fact that his company engages in other activities, weapon production was the main income generating activities. Tony attributes most of his wealth from creating and selling the weapons (Fricke, 42). Tony seeks to resolve the issue by closing down the industry. His decision to close down the industry was motivated by the realization that he had more to offer to the world rather than merely producing products that blow up and destroy the world. He closes the unit of Stark Company that deals with production of weapons until when he will decide on a decision that will result to happiness in him and his country. According to Aristotle, one cannot be reasonable and/or judicious in the fullest sagacity and have prudence without being morally virtuous (Hooft, 112). Evidently, Tony was initially guided by his passion and appetite and starts portraying morality after realizing the deleterious effects of his actions. Tony wants to make a decision that he is contented with and one that is “consistent with the highest good for this country.” Since there is no infinite retrogress of purely extrinsic goods, Tony’s action as well as those of other Americans were targeting the highest good; the wellbeing of America. Moreover, his actions articulate unpretentious virtue or excellence (Casey et al., 68). Manifestly, Tony has decided that the harm caused by his weapons is more than the value of the wealth that he derives from the business. He further reveals that he did not want body counting to be the American legacy; they could do something else that is better and appealing. The resolution to use his innovative aptitudes and capabilities in other expedient uses ostensibly challenges his business’s reputation as well as its share price in the stock market (Fricke, 98). Though not oblivious of these sheer facts, Tony severally reiterates that he was meant to be of service to his country, in a positive way. Tony’s decision was appropriate and his resolution of the surrounding issue was impeccable. Previously, due to information asymmetry or biasness, he believed that he and his company were doing good things. Whereas the security industry in “Iron Man 2” is portrayed as quite contentious, Tony believed that his weapons were helping the Americans to achieve the most good conceivable in a world that is imperfect; he believed that the artilleries were being used against those with malevolence intents and those who initiate attacks. The realization that the weapons were being used against Americans makes him change and devotes himself to making the Iron Man suit that is armored and can fly. When Tony hears of an attack in Galmira, a small town in Afghanistan, he uses his suit to fly to the town and takes out the attackers thus protecting innocent civilians. Through his action of protecting non-Americans, he does not only want to achieve the highest good for his country but the whole world. He creates peace by hindering the actions of terrorists and saving/protecting victims of terrorism. He becomes a champion for world peace (Casey et al., 89). Tony aims for life that conforms with his rational nature. Apparently, the acquisition of material benefits is less imperative than the attainment of ethics. Tony cultivated virtues that made his life complete and aid in transforming the world into a better place. Through the character Tony Mark, the nine virtues that Aristotle reiterates as being quite vital are understood; temperance, wisdom, fortitude, prudence, magnanimity, liberality, justice, magnificence, and courage. Moral virtues enable a character to act in accordance with reason, have the right intentions, and feel appropriate (Hooft, 129). While the appetitive part desires possession, Tony’s spirited part wanted nothing but victory/triumph. He successfully manages surpass the appetitive desires and goes for the spirited desire, a step that Aristotle considers to be quite imperative in determining an individual’s character. The above elucidations candidly indicate that Tony Mark, a major character in “Iron Man 2," effectively uses Aristotle’s virtue ethics to resolve the dilemma that he finds himself in. He becomes committed to creating a peaceful and happy world. Ostensibly, his later actions reveal moral uprightness that are highly desired in the contemporary society. Works Cited Casey, Joe, Justin Theroux, Barry Kitson, and Ronald Lim. Iron Man 2. New York: Marvel, 2010. Print. Fricke, David. Iron Man 2. New York: Columbia, 2010. Print. Hooft, Stan. Understanding Virtue Ethics. Chesham [U.K.: Acumen, 2006. Print. Read More