Humanity, Kant, Caricatures, and Draco (was Re: Real child abuse)

[nrenka]

No: HPFGUIDX 146255

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Marg McKay-Lowndes" 
<lowndes at b...> wrote:

> MML here: 
> I think in analysing the characters in the book, it is wise to look 
> beyond mere actions, and really closely examine motive and the 
> moral stance which each character takes ("It is not our actions 
> which determine who we are Harry, but our choices" :- Dumbledore 
> said this somewhere, not sure whether in movie and/or book, but 
> nevertheless for me it sums JKR's attitudes towards her characters).

Actually, he doesn't say that.  He says that our choices *show* who 
we are, not determine.  It's a slight change of wording, but it may 
well be meaningful because of where it puts the source of things.  If 
that philosophical point ultimately matters.

> Put simply, Harry is fighting for the good, Malfoy
> is fighting for the evil (pure-blood wizardry) and it is this moral 
> stance which renders their actions right or wrong.
> 
> CHeers
> MML who has no idea where this fits into Kantian philosophy.

Kant says at one point (paraphrasing) that the only perfectly good 
thing is the perfectly good will, which is also perfectly rational.  
That means the "I thought it was the right thing" excuse doesn't work 
for things which are actually evil, as determined by Kant's moral 
principles--it takes subjectivity out of play.  So he makes 
intentions (the good will) primary.  Also, every person should be 
treated as an end in himself, and never as a means to an end.  He's 
kinda the anti-Slytherin in that way. :)

Speaking of something which made me think, I got the impression that 
the "enemy of my enemy is my friend" proposition was solidly rejected 
at the end of the book, with Harry refusing to ally or explain 
anything to Scrimgeour.  The resources of the Ministry would be 
useful, wouldn't they?  Lesser of two evils, making an alliance 
there?  But it was rejected out of hand.  Is this a moral issue, or 
is it more plot-driven with the Trio going it alone?

-Nora was wrong in guessing for Ministry reform and/or reconciliation 
this book, alas