Justifying Aquaman's Decision: An Analysis of Morality and Necessity in 'Aquaman'

Introduction

In the ongoing narrative of 'Aquaman', the actions of protagonist Arthur Curry (Aquaman) towards Black Manta have garnered significant debate and discussion among fans and critics alike. One of the most contentious moments occurs when Aquaman chooses to leave Black Manta's father to die, despite the severe ethical implications. This article aims to explore the underlying moral and strategic justifications for Aquaman's decision and the consequences that follow.

The Incident: Black Manta's Father and Aquaman's Response

The incident in question centers around Black Manta's father, a character known for his aggressive and vengeful nature. This individual, in a moment of extreme recklessness, fired a rocket at a target 5 feet away from himself, causing a catastrophic event that led to a submarine sinking. As Aquaman scaled the rescue ladder, Manta's father attempted to fire at him again, albeit less successfully due to Aquaman's immediate physical positioning.

Unintentional Volition vs. Moral Responsibility

The crux of the debate lies in Aquaman's unprovoked survival and the moral responsibility he feels towards the consequences of his own actions. Aquaman, as a protector and a noble warrior, initially faces a dilemma. The act of Manta's father firing a second rocket, which Aquaman narrowly evades, provokes a sense of moral outrage, especially when considering the element of volition and intention behind the action. Could Aquaman have done anything differently to avoid the conflict without risking his own life? This question revolves around the feasibility of avoiding such a situation while safeguarding his own well-being.

The Aftermath: Aquaman's Admission and the Consequences

After the unfolding of the events, Aquaman confesses to a guiding principle: 'Perhaps, I shouldn't have done it.' This admission brings into focus the ideological conflict within Aquaman, highlighting the duality of his character and the challenges of balancing justice with the unpredictability of human actions. His regret over killing Manta's father, even inadvertently, underscores a fundamental shift in his perception.

Strategic Necessity and Theoretical Justice

From a strategic perspective, Aquaman's decision can be viewed as a forced ethical consideration where immediate survival and long-term consequences are at stake. The sinking of the submarine, with Manta's father aboard, could have led to a larger scale disaster, potentially endangering more lives. By choosing to leave Manta's father to die, Aquaman may have been acting to prevent a greater calamity. However, this choice also sets a precedent that could haunt him in the future, as Manta, in his relentless pursuit of revenge, proves to be a formidable adversary.

Consequences and Future Villainy

The consequences of Aquaman's decision are manifold. Manta's father's death is seen as an act of vengeance and betrayal. This event solidifies Manta's resolve to seek revenge, turning a potential enemy into a relentless pursuer. Despite the initial regret of Aquaman, he cannot foresee the full extent of the consequences his actions will bring. Manta's relentless hunting and the strategic implications of their ongoing conflict serve as a testament to the complex web of morality and necessity.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The decision of Aquaman to leave Black Manta's father to die is a pivotal moment in the narrative, opening up a deeper analysis of the intersection between morality and necessity. While the initial actions of Manta's father are indeed reckless, the consequences of Aquaman's decision to act in self-defense are far-reaching. This decision, though ethically complex, can be seen as a strategic necessity to prevent a greater disaster. However, the moral weight of this action is enduring, leaving Aquaman with a perpetual dilemma that defines the essence of his character in the ongoing saga of 'Aquaman'.