Final answer:
The justification of Mazer and the adults in deceiving Ender about the reality behind his games in Ender's Game is a complex ethical question. It weighs the necessity of survival in wartime against the ethical ramifications of manipulating children, challenging the morality of their actions and the consequences for Ender's emotional development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether Mazer and the other adults were justified in deceiving Ender and his peers about the reality behind the 'games' in Ender's Game is one that invites us to explore themes of manipulation, the morality of war, and the ethical responsibilities of leaders. The adults, particularly Mazer Rackham, wear metaphorical masks, presenting the games as simulations when in reality, Ender is commanding actual fleets in a real war against an alien species. This deception raises complex questions about the ends justifying the means, particularly in a wartime context.
On one hand, the adults believe that this deception is necessary to train Ender to be an effective commander against the Formic threat. They argue that the innocence and unpredictability of a child's mind are needed to outmaneuver the Formics. On the other hand, this manipulation results in a heavy burden on Ender's conscience when he learns that his actions have led to the real death and destruction of the Formics. The adults' decision to mislead Ender stems from a belief that they are choosing the lesser of two evils to save humanity. However, it also reflects a failure to respect the autonomy and moral growth of the children under their care.
The debate over their justification is multifaceted. It touches upon the ethics of war, the protection versus autonomy of the young, and whether deceitful tactics can be morally accepted when the survival of humankind is at stake. While some may argue that survival at any cost is paramount, others may contend that compromising ethical standards poses a long-term risk to the very humanity the war seeks to protect.