Moral Ambiguity Research Articles

Good People Do Not Eat Others?! Moral Ambiguity in Japanese Fairytales from the Late Nineteenth Century

In 2015, the Japanese public broadcaster NHK aired an educational series that re-examined traditional fairy tales by putting their characters on trial for their immoral behavior, such as revenge, violence, and dishonesty. These tales, rooted in premodern Japanese folklore, were widely available in various book formats by the late nineteenth century and, unlike modern adaptations, they did not sanitize violence or evil. This study analyzes four miniature picture books from the late nineteenth century that recount the story, Kachikachi yama (The Crackling Mountain). This analysis focuses on both verbal and visual representations of good and evil, with attention to themes of loyalty, filial piety, and virtuous revenge. The findings reveal that these picture books presented young readers with complex moral lessons, where the boundaries between good and evil were blurred. Additionally, they illuminate the prevailing image of children during that era, depicting them as “little adults” expected to be educated and prepared for the practical realities of the adult world.

Transcending Otherness: Exploring Symbolism, Fluid Rejection, and Moral Ambiguity in Anosh Irani's The Parcel

The transgender community's historical roots, as affirmed by scholars like Mildred L. Brown and Chloe Ann Rounsley in "True Selves," persist throughout history. Despite global recognition, transgenders face enduring challenges in societal acceptance. Indian hijras, emblematic of this struggle, endure oppressive prejudice, lacking essentials and oppressed by systemic bias. Literary representations of transgender experiences are limited, but works like Anosh Irani's The Parcel provide insightful portrayals. The research scrutinizes Irani's work, focusing on its symbolism and the protagonist's turbulent journey amidst rejection, marginalisation and ethical dilemmas. Through Irani's narrative, profound insights emerge into the resilient spirit of transgender individuals confronting societal adversity. Despite strides, true equality remains elusive for the community. This article analyses and summarizes the symbolism in The Parcel by analysing static symbols such as characters, objects, occurrences , as well as dynamic symbol such as dialogue, behaviour, and thoughts, in order to further elaborate the role of symbolism in The Parcel in promoting the context of the text. This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of their struggles, shedding light on the unyielding resilience exhibited by transgender individuals across societal challenges.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall: The Bible and Ethics in Jordan Peele’s 2019 film Us

Jordan Peele’s horror movie, Us, takes moral ambiguity to its logical extreme by creating a world, or, rather, two worlds, in which good and evil mirror each other on multiple planes—the narrative, the visual, the spatial, the racial, the ethical—and by its use of a biblical verse—Jer 11:11. The Wilsons, who inhabit “our” world, view the “Tethered”, who inhabit a nether world, as evil insofar as they have emerged from the shadows to terrorize and kill them. The Tethered, however, view the humans as evil, insofar as they take for granted the ability to enjoy and act in the world. Like the prophet Jeremiah, the film draws the audience’s attention to its own iniquity—and the consequences.

How Dramas Featuring Morally Ambiguous Protagonists Increase a Sense of Life Expansion: The Role of Moral Judgment

ABSTRACT Building on moral foundations theory, this article explores which combinations of moral ambiguity domains (care–harm, care–unfairness, fairness–harm, and fairness–unfairness) exhibited by morally ambiguous protagonists (MAPs) in movies evoke a stronger sense of moral conflict in viewers. It further explores viewers’ moral judgment process when they perceive moral conflicts in protagonists who demonstrate moral ambiguity. Study 1, using a measurement-of-mediation design, confirms a moral judgment process; perceived moral conflict encourages viewers to infer that the protagonists suffer a disturbed moral conscience when they find justification in MAPs’ motives for their behaviors. Such inferences lead to the approbation of their behaviors and then result in eudaimonic experiences and a sense of self-expansion. With a moderation-of-process design, Study 2 provides further evidence that behavioral approbation has a mediating role in viewers’ appreciation processes.

Walking the Earth between Ezekiel and Kung Fu 's Caine: Pulp Fiction and 1990s (Popular) Culture between Irony and 'Reenchantment'

Abstract: In the cultural milieu of the 1990s, Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994) emerges as a compelling exploration of spiritual and moral ambiguity. The film's flamboyantly postmodern narrative intertwines themes of grace and the miraculous, culminating in moments of profound existential reflection—with an ironic twist. Set against the backdrop of a post-Cold War era marked by uncertainty, disillusionment, and hope, Pulp Fiction navigates complex moral and ethical terrain. This paper analyzes Tarantino's movie alongside contemporaneous auteurs such as the Coens and Fincher, exploring their shared engagement with themes of justice, morality, and existential meaning. Through a lens of cultural reenchantment, these films illuminate the moral dilemmas of an era in transition.

A Psychoanalytical Study of the Gothic Marine Locales in Herman Melville's Moby Dick

This research uncovers the Gothic elements interwoven with the Sublime in the maritime context of Herman Melville's "Moby Dick". Using Freud's psychoanalytical frameworks, the study examines the novel's sublime aspects and the psychological depths they signify. It draws on Lacan's and Burke's theories on the conscious and unconscious mind and the contrast between the beautiful and the sublime. These elements suggest deeper insights into Melville's psyche, with characters like Ishmael reflecting his narrative. The conclusion posits "Moby Dick" as an intricate interlacing of Gothic and sea-faring motifs that penetrate the human psyche, set against the ocean's expanse. The narrative aboard the Pequod encapsulates the collective human psyche, presenting a tableau of collective yearnings, fears, and fixations. The enigmatic Moby Dick stands as a symbol of nature's grandeur and humanity's relentless pursuit of the unfathomable, with otherworldly occurrences enhancing the story's spectral quality. The story's heart lies in the psychological journey, mainly through Ahab's quixotic quest for the whale, a metaphor for the human penchant for chasing the unreachable. The narrative is laden with symbolism, with the whale as the centerpiece of nature's wonder and the human quest for meaning. The plot navigates through moral ambiguities and deceit, providing depth to its characters. Themes of isolation and desolation are woven into the dangerous yet mesmerizing whaling backdrop, rendering a narrative rich in complexity and allure.

THE NOIR LEGACY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

The article explores the legacy of noir heritage and influence of the noir detective on contemporary literature. It analyses how noir tropes and themes have been adapted and reinterpreted by contemporary authors, creating new and exciting works of literature. The noir detective, which emerged in American literature of the 1940s and 1950s, has had a profound and indelible influence on modern literature. Noir characteristics such as cynical protagonists, dark atmosphere, and intricate plots continue to resonate with readers and writers today. The article explores how contemporary writers use noir elements to create complex characters, exploring themes of violence, corruption, and moral ambiguity.

Understanding the configurational causes of traveler's moral ambiguity in the sharing economy: Evidence from PLS‐fsQCA

AbstractAlthough the sharing economy in tourism has garnered much positive attention, perennial ethical gray areas have been ignored. Drawing upon the ecological systems theory, we investigate the influence of different systemic factors, classified as individual differences and environmental context, on the ethical behavior of travelers (i.e., reporting malfunctions in a bike‐sharing context and saving water/electricity in a peer‐to‐peer accommodation context). PLS‐SEM and fsQCA are applied to analyze and examine proposed hypotheses. The results complement the factor configuration differences between the two behaviors. Moreover, this study provides new insights into the regulatory guidelines for shared service operators in the tourism industry.

Symbolism and Psychological Depth in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Its Influence on Modern Literature

This paper delves into the intricate layers of symbolism and psychological depth in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s seminal work, Crime and Punishment. By unraveling the complex psyche of the protagonist, Raskolnikov, the study explores the novel’s exploration of existential dilemmas, moral ambiguity, and the quest for redemption. The analysis further extends to the symbolic elements embedded within the narrative, such as the pervasive use of crosses, blood imagery, and the urban landscape of St. Petersburg, which collectively enhance the novel’s exploration of human suffering and alienation. Additionally, the paper examines the profound influence of Dostoevsky’s themes and narrative techniques on modern literature, tracing echoes of Raskolnikov’s psychological turmoil in characters and narratives of subsequent literary movements, including existentialism and modernism. Through a detailed investigation of these elements, the study aims to underscore the enduring relevance of Crime and Punishment in the contemporary literary landscape and its pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of modern literature.

Investigating the “Thief in the Night”: The Reproduction and Erosion of Indigenous Forms of Social Resilience in Rural Fiji

AbstractAcross the Republic of Fiji, the combination of slow onset climate change and extreme weather events continues to wreak havoc. In addition to direct damages sustained from climate impacts, the uncertainties associated with changes to natural systems in combination with depletion of natural resources and declines in biodiversity provide substantial challenges for Indigenous cultures and rural semi-subsistence livelihoods. Consequently, the concept of social resilience in terms of peoples’ capacities to cope and adapt to social and ecological changes remains important. In this study, we examine local Indigenous systems of social resilience constructed in alignment with the traditional value of relationalism, and concomitant practices of solesolevaki (working together) and kerekere (requesting, gifting, sharing) to (i). understand how social resilience in this local setting is both reproduced and sustained, and (ii).to examine how moral conflicts and ambiguities arising between traditional modes of living and being, and newer, introduced ontologies attributed to late liberalism are affecting social resilience. We present an ethnographic sketch drawn from fieldwork observations and narratives undertaken in rural Fiji since 2016 and apply Robbins’ (2017) theorising of culture and values to examine how people reconcile competing value systems attached to two porous social orders that structure the practices and rhythms of daily life, which Merlan (2005) refers to as the intercultural.

DARK IS THE NEW LIGHT: A PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE VISUAL NARRATIVE OF INDIAN CINEMA AND WEB SERIES

Indian ancient scriptures contain a rich array of rules, instructions, daily rituals, and customs, which is particularly suitable for a diverse country with its multiculturalism and diverse beliefs. Rasa theory, a fundamental concept in Indian aesthetics that has strong connections to early Indian performing arts such as dance and theater. Contemporary dark films explore themes of violence, crime, moral ambiguity, and the darker aspects of human nature. They often aim to evoke intense and unsettling emotions in the audience. Indian audiences have shown a growing interest in films that challenge conventional storytelling and explore complex and unconventional themes. Films and web series like "Gangs of Wasseypur," "Paatal Lok," "Sacred Games," and "Asur" etc. have received critical acclaim and have been embraced by audiences for their bold narratives and portrayal of darker elements. While there is an audience that enjoys dark narratives, the appreciation of dark cinema among Indian viewers is not universal. However, it has undoubtedly gained momentum and contributed to the evolving filmmaking culture in the country. The goal of this study is to analyze & explore the visual semantics applied in web series with dark themes, aiming to understand their influence on the audience. An exploratory study examines the visual elements employed in popular Indian cinema and web series that portray dark narratives.

Face Consciousness and Moral Ambiguity: Consumers’ Willingness to Patronize Hospitality Knockoff Brands

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to examine consumers’ willingness to patronize retail knockoffs, taking Starbucks as an example. We make a connection between consumers’ willingness to patronize retail knockoffs and cultural variation in the form of tightness and looseness. The U.S. and China – two of the largest counterfeit and knockoff markets – represent loose and tight societies, respectively. Through a quasi-experiment design (nationality: Chinese vs. U.S.), findings reveal that in the context of this study, U.S. consumers are more willing to patronize retail knockoffs than their Chinese counterparts. In addition, the study shows that moral ambiguity and face consciousness act as mediators in influencing consumers’ willingness to patronize retail knockoffs. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first empirical studies on consumers’ willingness to patronize retail knockoffs in the hospitality industry, taking face consciousness and moral ambiguity into consideration.

Ethics and entrepreneurship in the white Tiger: Exploring the moral ambiguities of Balram’s success

Ethics and entrepreneurship in the white Tiger: Exploring the moral ambiguities of Balram’s success

Institutions and Shadows: Jonathan Swift, Enlightenment and Recent Irish Poetry

This article traces Jonathan Swift’s legacy in the work of three modern Irish poets: Jessica Traynor, Rita Ann Higgins and Derek Mahon. I use two motifs to explore this inheritance: institutions and shadows. Using the work of Genevieve Lloyd, I argue that meaningful engagement with Enlightenment’s legacy must recognise its moral ambiguity and emotional complexity through the metaphor of shadow. Institutions, whether in the case of St Patrick’s Hospital, Dublin (Ireland’s first psychiatric hospital, founded by Swift), the residential institutions of the twentieth century or the modern apparatus of Direct Provision, embody a continuing legacy of suffering, control and containment. Imagination and empathy are the difficult but necessary means through which these legacies must be acknowledged and confronted.

A Literature Review for Understanding the Development of Smart Parking Systems

Smart parking systems that use AI, data analytics, and IoT are a result of urbanization and rising automobile utilization. These systems are designed to enhance user experience, shorten search times, and make the most of available space. AI analyzes real-time data, proposes open places, and projects demand in the future. Infrastructure costs, stakeholder cooperation, and system compatibility continue to be issues, nevertheless. To maintain user confidence, privacy, and ethical usage in the study of smart parking systems, in-depth literature reviews are essential. The systematic literature review (SLR) method was used to examine AI-based smart parking solutions, such as wireless sensor networks, ultrasonic sensor nodes, reservation-based systems, intelligent parking guidance, IoT-based on-street infraction monitoring, central parking management systems, and energy-efficient automated solutions. Budgetary restrictions, stakeholder participation, interoperability concerns, data privacy, security, and moral ambiguities are all problems. To test scenarios, understand rules, processes, and algorithms in limited contexts, researchers need to develop reliable outdoor sensor and data technologies for outside application.

The playwright and social justice in Nigeria: A study of Femi Osofisan’s ‘Once Upon Four Robbers’

Playwrights play a pivotal role in championing equal justice within society. Through the dynamic medium of drama, they address pressing social issues and work towards catalyzing positive societal change. This qualitative study examines the playwright's role in advocating for social justice in Nigeria using Femi Osofisan's Once Upon Four Robbers with a Marxist theoretical framework. The research unveils the moral ambiguity surrounding the government-sponsored military execution of the armed robbery gang leader. It contends that this action lacks justification, given that these individuals turned to crime due to the government's failure to provide opportunities for the youth, raising questions about the government's legitimacy in administering justice while perpetuating conditions of injustice. In response, the study recommends that in societies riddled with social injustice, playwrights must diligently fulfil their role as social commentators, fostering positive change for the greater good. It stresses that playwrights should not compromise their societal responsibilities but instead advocate for constructive reforms and offer solutions to prevailing societal challenges. This can only be achieved when writers fully recognize their roles as change agents in society. This research therefore underscores the vital role of playwrights in advocating for social justice, especially in contexts where systemic issues threaten equality and fairness.

The Significance of The Cat as a Character with Moral Ambiguity in Neil Gaiman's <em>Coraline</em>

This research analyzes the cat in Coraline as a character with moral ambiguity in children’s literature. This study used new criticism theory, focusing on the formal elements which are the plot of the story and the cat’s character and its characterization to analyze the cat’s role and its significance towards Coraline. By applying Janet Burroway’s character presentation methods, this research aims to analyze how the cat with moral ambiguity influenced Coraline in deciding her decisions and choice. This research also discusses the relationship between the cat with Coraline in order to know how deep Coraline’s trust towards the cat to know the significance of a character with moral ambiguity and to investigate the cat’s role in the novel by analyzing the plot of the story. The result shows that even though the cat has a bad and annoying attitudes towards Coraline, after she met the cat and having several conversations, there is a change in her mind about the point of view of the Other World so she could decide what to do in order to save not only herself but also the cat, her parents and the ghost children’s souls from the Beldam. The existence of a character with moral ambiguity is unusual in children’s literature which mostly have obvious narratives about polarity; nevertheless, the cat’s presence in Coraline has a significant role because not only guiding Coraline but also an illustration of not every people with bad attitude is an evil people; even though the cat has moral ambiguity in its character it accommodated Coraline in escaping from the Beldam.

Ethics and Morality.

Ethics and morality are a branch of philosophy dealing with moral principles. Morals conceptualise the tenets of human character or behaviour as good or bad, right or wrong. However, morals are an individual and subjective concept which vary across individuals, cultures and time. Intentions, decisions and actions which may be considered moral by one individual or society may be considered amoral by another. The need for an organised system of guidelines, which can be universally applicable to all members of a society and against which all moral or immoral actions can be judged is the driving factor behind foundation of ethics. A study of ancient Mesopotamian, Greek and Indian cultures over the millennia give a unique insight into ethics as a structural foundation of civilised society. The historical aspect of ethics and ethical systems helps guide present and future generations towards a harmonious and secure society across regional, organizational and global stages. A study of moral philosophy endeavours to classify ethical systems based on various schools of thought which act as the guiding principle on which an ethical system is structured. The major branches of ethical philosophy include descriptive ethics which studies the prevalent ethical and moral standards, normative ethics which evaluates the prevalent moral norms and their interpretation and application, meta-ethics which reevaluates the prevalent ethical systems and applied ethics dealing with ethical considerations specific to a particular field. In this chapter, the authors have attempted to outline the importance of a structured ethical system in various walks of life, including personal, professional and social. A sound ethical system clearly outlines moral versus amoral behaviour, provides an objective means for judging the morality of decisions and actions, provides aids to teaching moral behaviour to new members of a society, defines behaviour of individuals professionally and personally, guides individuals in making decisions over issues of moral conflict or ambiguity and helps maintain structure and order in society so as to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. The authors also discuss the essential role played by ethics in the life and practice of the modern-day Clinical Orthopaedician.

Mzansi Magic

Mzansi Magic

Moralna i religijna dwuznaczność nawrócenia. Przykład apostoła Pawła

The subject of the article is the moral and religious ambiguity of St. Paul’s conversion; rabbi Saul of Tarsus, who had previously been a persecutor of Christians, encountered a resurrected Jesus and proceeded to accept Him as the Messiah, becoming a zealous apostle. On one hand, the moral meaning of his conversion is a positive one, as it shows that even the worst villain can receive God’s forgiveness if they understand their mistake and change their behavior. On the other, however, Paul’s case suggests that God’s mercy is an injustice—it shows that ceasing to do evil and accepting the true faith is enough to avoid punishment for previous evil deeds. The religious meaning of conversion is similarly ambiguous; on one hand God is merciful because He forgave a person who persecuted His followers because he understood his mistake, converted, and accepted the true faith. However, there is an injustice here; converted sinners and Christ’s persecutors may receive salvation given that they are baptized and join the Church, meanwhile people who are moral but do not believe in God and were not baptized cannot be saved despite never having committed any atrocity.