Batman Vs. Superman

The names Batman and Superman can be recognized throughout American society.
Even if somebody has not seen The Dark Knight or Superman, they can still depict that the two names attach to well-known superheroes in popular culture. While Batman is more recognized as a vigilante, the term “hero” can be defined as a “man of super-human qualities” and “superhero as a “hero with superhuman powers” (qtd. in Loeb and Morris 12, 14). In turn, this definition allows Batman to be considered a superhero. Although Batman and Superman have their differences, both heroes portray the qualities that demonstrate what it means to be a modern-day superhero.
Batman and Superman’s lack of parents motivate them to become the superheroes that people know and admire.
Moreover, as Kant explains, the “consequences of actions don’t matter at all in determining their moral worth,” which can be seen when Wayne tries to rescue both Rachel Dawes and Harvey Dent (Robichaud 185). Even though Wayne only saves Dent, his actions are moral since his intention was to save both characters. In addition, the philosophical idea of utilitarianism, in which the “right action… produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people,” justifies the questionable means that Batman uses to achieve his goal of stopping the Joker from wreaking havoc on Gotham (Taliaferro and Lindahl-Urben 70). His thought process that “killing is making a choice” allows him to operate under his moral code of pursuing justice and not murdering another human being in respect of his parents’ death (The Dark Knight). Superman is able to demonstrate “virtue[s] of selfless heroism” through the use of his “sense of higher moral obligation” (Waid 10). His demonstration of becoming the hero for Earth after leaving Krypton reflects his use of utilitarianism, as the people of Earth benefit from his selfless actions. By drawing a line of not killing, Superman is able to “fight evil without becoming evil,” reflecting the idea that “the good can still prevail” through staying sound with his virtues (Loeb and Morris 18). Since superheroes are obligated to follow strong moral
Directed by Christopher Nolan, performances by Christian Bale, Heath
Ledger, and Aaron Eckhart, Warner Bros., Legendary Entertainment, Syncopy, and DC
Comics, 2008.
Loeb, Jeph, and Tom Morris. “Heroes and Superheroes.” Superheroes and Philosophy: Truth,
Justice, and the Socratic Way, edited by Tom Morris and Matt Morris, Open Court, 2005, pp. 11-21.
Robichaud, Christopher. “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: On the Moral Duties of the Super-Powerful and Super-Heroic.” Superheroes and Philosophy: Truth,
Justice, and the Socratic Way, edited by Tom Morris and Matt Morris, Open Court, 2005, pp. 177-193.
Superman. Directed by Richard Donner, performances by Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Gene Hackman, Dovemead Films, Film Export A.G., and International Film
Production, 1978.
Taliaferro, Charles, and Craig Lindahl-Urben. “The Power and the Glory.” Superheroes and Philosophy: Truth, Justice, and the Socratic Way, edited by Tom Morris and Matt
Morris, Open Court, 2005, pp. 62-74.
Waid, Mark. “The Real Truth About Superman: And the Rest of Us, Too.” Superheroes and Philosophy: Truth, Justice, and the Socratic Way, edited by Tom Morris and Matt
Morris, Open Court, 2005, pp.