Introduction: A Penguin Found Not Guilty

It is debatable whether we should view the Joker’s assertion in The Dark Knight, “neither boat would blow the other up,” as an incontrovertible truth. While the Joker himself is a being who believes the world is inherently corrupt, and that everyone possesses the potential for both noble and sinister acts, his beliefs do not necessarily reflect reality. This article delves into the conflict between moral absolutism and situation ethics using examples from the film and broader contexts, arguing that moral resolve and heroic actions persist despite the atrocities committed by individuals like the Joker.

The Joker's Perspective: A World of Darkness

Joker believes that all humans, including himself, are capable of both monumental goodness and irreversible evil, relying on external factors like societal pressure to determine their actions. His notion of being 'always right' is based on his deconstruction of ethical norms, suggesting that without significant external forces preventing it, people would choose the path of least resistance, often leading to moral decay.

However, this viewpoint overlooks the repeated instances of individuals rising above such corruption. The boat scene in The Dark Knight, for example, illustrates that people often exhibit moral resolve and resist succumbing to the allure of easy evil. Similarly, historical figures such as those who resisted Nazi regimes and those who bravely faced moral dilemmas during wartime embody the human capacity for selflessness and moral fortitude.

Moral Absolutism vs. Situation Ethics

The conflict between moral absolutism—holding rigid, unchanging principles—and situation ethics, which adapts moral principles to specific circumstances, is central to understanding complex moral scenarios. In The Dark Knight, when Batman is faced with the decision to kill the Joker, he chooses to uphold his principles, demonstrating that moral resolve is more than just following rigid rules.

Batman’s decision not to kill the Joker despite the potential for the latter to cause future harm is a poignant example of situation ethics at work. Batman’s refusal to take extreme measures aligns more closely with an ethical framework that considers the nuances of individual cases rather than adhering to a single, rigid principle.

Examples of Moral Resolve: Real and Fictional

Nazi Death Camp Staff: Not all individuals in positions of authority participate in heinous acts out of sheer malice or ideological alignment. Many were simply 'just doing their job' because they saw it as their duty. However, some individuals, like the Christian who lied to save lives in times of war, demonstrate the power of moral resolve. These individuals align their actions with their conscience, regardless of potential consequences, showing that despite the pervasive evil in the world, some still strive to do the right thing.

The Role of Religion in Moral Resolve: While the Christian who lied to save lives may have been motivated by religious convictions, it is important to note that moral resolve exists independently of religious beliefs. The story of Daniel in the lion's den and the accounts of Christians in the Roman colosseum underscore the point that individuals can make ethical decisions without relying on divine intervention, choosing to act because it is the right thing to do.

A Linear Dimension of Morality

Ultimately, the assertion that people always choose the path of least resistance under no external pressures is overly simplistic. While it is true that many individuals can be influenced by their environment, it is also true that many exhibit remarkable moral resolve in the face of dire circumstances. The Joker’s own actions in The Dark Knight himself exemplify this duality. Many times, he is the villain, but there are also instances where he shows moments of introspection and compassion.

Harvey Dent and the Human Capacity for Good: While it is tragic that characters like Harvey Dent (Two-Face) fall victim to corruption, it is equally important to recognize the widespread capacity of individuals to resist such corruption and to act heroically. Harvey’s transformation into Two-Face represents the extreme end of this spectrum, but it does not encompass the entirety of human behavior.

In conclusion, while the Joker’s perspective is a fascinating philosophical exploration, it fails to account for the profound capacity of individuals to exhibit moral resolve and rise above the challenges they face. Whether driven by religious conviction, personal principles, or simply an innate sense of right and wrong, many individuals consistently choose to act ethically, even in the face of overwhelming evil.

Conclusion: The Persistent Struggle for Good

The question of whether people rise above evil is not an either/or proposition. Instead, it recognizes a spectrum of human behavior ranging from the darkest impulses to the purest intentions. The complexity of this struggle is beautifully depicted in The Dark Knight, where characters like Batman and others serve as reminders of the persistent human capacity for good, even in the face of daunting odds and moral challenges.