The Titan: A Moral Examination of the Primary Antagonist of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Luckiw, Vivian R

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

The Titan: A Moral Examination of the Primary Antagonist of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Public Deposited

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/6682x5258

Abstract

In the past 15 years, the world has been captivated by the superhero films produced by Marvel. This line of films and television shows has become a defining feature of the current generation, who grew up watching heroes fight villains in their own independent films within the broader connected timeline. Such a powerful cultural zeitgeist indicates that the ideas and themes espoused within this series of films can reflect upon their audience. This necessitates an inspection of the primary defining ethical structure featured in Marvel films. Specifically, this research is an examination of the moral justification of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s primary antagonist throughout the first twenty two films they released. The antagonist - an alien warlord called Thanos - sought a series of powerful Stones that would grant him the power to instantaneously and painlessly kill half of all life in the universe. He justified this to himself by arguing that killing half of all life would give the other half the proper means to survive while also getting rid of poverty and struggle for the remaining population. To him, the ends justified the means, a very Machiavellian thought structure. In order to determine whether or not Thanos was justified in his mission, this research examines the three major normative theories of ethics and compares them with Thanos’ character traits, actions, and the way he was cinematically depicted throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ultimately, this research found that when comparing Thanos to the theories of virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism, he cannot be found as morally justified in his ambitions. He was not a good man, his intentions were inherently selfish, and he caused more negative consequences than good ones. Whatever may have morally justified Thanos’ beliefs do not make him ethically correct when real world moral systems are applied.

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