Analysis of 12 Angry Men
Watch the Film:
- Film: 12 Angry Men
- Objective: will watch 12 Angry Men and analyze how each juror navigates their moral and ethical obligations during the jury deliberation process.
- Link to Film:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwIxcEvRq0g (Copy and paste into your browser)
Analyze All of these Ethical Theories:
While watching the film, identify instances where ethical theories apply and address the following:
Virtue Ethics:
- How do individual character traits influence the jurors’ decisions and actions?
- Which jurors demonstrate courage, integrity, or other virtues during deliberation?
Utilitarianism:
- How do the jurors weigh the greatest good for the greatest number in their decision-making?
- Are there moments where collective welfare takes precedence over individual concerns?
Ethical Formalism:
- Are there jurors whose decisions are guided by a duty to uphold legal principles?
- Discuss any adherence to rules and universal ethical norms.
Relativism vs. Universalism:
- Identify instances where cultural, personal, or situational ethics clash with universal principles of justice.
- How do jurors navigate these conflicts?
Key Themes to Address (Address all themes):
Prejudice and Bias:
- How do personal biases or prejudices influence the jurors' initial positions?
- Highlight moments where biases are challenged or reinforced.
Reasonable Doubt:
- Analyze how the jurors handle the concept of "reasonable doubt" and how it shapes their decisions.
- What arguments effectively bring doubt to light?
Group Dynamics:
- Explore how group interactions, persuasion, and conflict resolution influence the deliberation process.
- Highlight the role of peer pressure, leadership, and groupthink.
Assignment Deliverables (Complete Both):
1. Write a 2-Page Analysis
- Content to Address:
- What ethical dilemmas do the jurors face, and how do they resolve them?
- How does the movie illustrate key ethical theories from the textbook?
- Which juror’s approach aligns most closely with your own ethical beliefs, and why?
- Supporting Materials:
- Include 2–3 quotes or key moments from the film to illustrate your points.
- Reference specific chapters or concepts from the textbook (e.g., virtue ethics, utilitarianism)n.