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What ethical position (theory) does it appear that Joker affirms? What does Joker do/say that makes you think this?

User Billybob
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Final answer:

The Joker seems to embody Normative Relativism, challenging social norms and acting according to his own ethical code, which aligns with the characteristics of ethical subjectivism. His actions suggest a personal moral reasoning that transcends conventional ethical frameworks like consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical position that the Joker appears to affirm could align with Normative Relativism, seeing that the character often embodies the idea that moral and ethical judgments are subject to the cultural, social, or individual context, rather than universal truths. For example, the Joker frequently acts outside standard moral frameworks, suggesting he believes society's norms do not necessarily apply to him. He may reject conventional morality, similar to what Thane Doss of CUNY, Hunter, outlines. Moreover, Augusto Boal's interpretation of the Joker as a 'difficultator' in the context of forum theatre resonates with the character's tendency to challenge societal norms and propose unconventional solutions to problems, thereby fitting into the theme of ethical subjectivism.

In Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development, the Joker's actions and justifications for them likely wouldn't fit into conventional or post-conventional morality. Instead, his behavior suggests he operates on a different plane of moral reasoning, potentially prioritizing his own ethical code over societal rules and regulations. Thus, when considering normative ethics frameworks like consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics, the Joker transcends these categories by advocating for his personal sense of morality, which is heavily influenced by his individual perspective and experiences rather than more common philosophical principles.

User Andrew Ferrier
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