I’ll pick the 2018 American thriller “Leave No Trace,” which was directed by Debra Granik.
Moral problem: The main moral problem in “Leave No Trace” is the conflict between Will, a war veteran with PTSD, and his teenage daughter, Tom, as they live off the grid in a national park. Will’s insistence on living alone meets with Tom’s growing desire to be part of society and have a stable, connected life. This causes tension because the two characters have different goals and aren’t sure what’s best for each other.
Based on the 7 moral views, the following could happen:
Will and Tom may choose to do what feels right to them, which could lead to them going their separate ways.
Uncertainty: Both people might not know what to do, which could keep their lives tense and unstable.
Will could keep living off the grid, while Tom could decide to join society. Both would be putting their own well-being and goals first.
Follow God: Depending on what they believe about God, both Will and Tom might look to their faith for direction, which could either help them stay the way they are or push them to make a change.
Will could continue to live alone, and Tom could decide to join society . Both of them would be putting their own happiness ahead of the health of their relationship.
Will and Tom could talk to a mental health professional, social worker, or another trusted person for help on how to handle their situation. This could lead to a compromise or a decision to split up.
Will and Tom may try to find a middle ground that meets the needs of both of them. For example, they could live in a country area that is connected to the rest of society but still gives them some privacy.
My choice: I would go to an authority figure or a mental health professional to help Will and Tom figure out how to balance their different wants and find a solution that is good for both of them and their relationship.
Moral principles: My choice is based on the moral principle of empathy and the desire to balance the interests of both sides. By getting help from a professional, Will and Tom can look at different points of view and possible answers while putting their emotional health first and keeping their relationship strong.
Based on this study, my moral compass stresses empathy, understanding, and how important it is to ask for help when things get hard. I think that when making decisions, it can be helpful to look at things from different points of view and try to find a middle ground.
