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Undertaking a profound exploration of Cormac McCarthy's post-apocalyptic novel, "The Road," reveals a stark world where the remnants of morality struggle to survive. Set against the backdrop of desolation, the narrative orbits around a father and son, navigating a realm consumed by ash, devoid of life, and plagued by a constant fear that permeates their every step. In this abyss, survival eclipses all, and the very fabric of morality seems to have disintegrated.
Amidst the grimness, cannibalism emerges as the ultimate fear, an ever-present reminder that, in this "Barren, silent, godless" world, every individual is a potential predator.
However, the protagonists, the man and the boy, stand resolute, refusing to succumb to the moral decay that engulfs those around them. Their unwavering commitment to certain acts being "intrinsically wrong" resonates profoundly with the philosophical concept of moral absolutism.
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“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”
Drawing parallels with Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy, the essay posits that the boy, deeply influenced by his upbringing and the profound relationship with his father, embodies a form of moral absolutism. The principles of Kant's philosophy, emphasizing rational action, become a lens through which the boy interprets the desolate world he inhabits. While both father and son share similar beliefs, the extent to which they adhere to these principles diverges, with the boy emerging as the stronger proponent of moral values.
Moral absolutism, defined by principles that remain universally valid regardless of context, echoes the foundational aspects of Kantian philosophy. It posits that certain acts are inherently immoral and can never be justified, irrespective of motivations or consequences.
Kant's philosophy introduces three critical aspects:
Firstly, as mentioned before, moral principles are absolute and do not allow for exceptions. Kant's insistence on the absence of subtleties in moral judgment aligns with the protagonists' unwavering stance in "The Road."
Secondly, Kant believed that all human beings are intrinsically important and that one should always respect the intrinsic worth of rational beings. Therefore it is wrong to treat others as instrumental means for one’s gain. This principle finds resonance in the characters' commitment to respect the humanity of others.
Thirdly and finally Kant contributed to the rule of Universality, which is that one should only act in a way that they believe would be appropriate if it was applied universally. Meaning that if one believes that an action is moral, would it remain moral if everyone around them was to act in that way. The rules and principles outlined in Kant's moral philosophy and the basics of moral absolutism are visible in The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
While both protagonists navigate a desolate world, their moral compass faces constant tests. The man refers to himself and his son as the "good guys," adhering to a moral code that rejects cannibalism, prohibits lying and stealing, promotes helping others, and emphasizes resilience. These principles, akin to Kantian moral philosophy, underscore the characters' commitment to absolute morals.
The novel presents instances where the protagonists' commitment to moral absolutism is challenged. Confronted with life-threatening situations, the man occasionally deviates from the prescribed moral code. The boy, echoing Kant's concerns about the infinite possibilities that follow justifying one action, attempts to steer his father back to the path of moral absolutism.
For instance, when the man and the child encounter a lightning-struck man, the father dismisses aiding him, focusing on their own welfare. This deviation from absolute principles sparks a moral conflict within the boy, who tries to persuade his father to act against the selfish inclination, aligning with Kant's argument against compromising moral absolutes.
Central to the novel is the societal acceptance of cannibalism as a survival strategy. However, the man and the boy make a solemn pact, irrespective of the circumstances, never to resort to such extremes. Their unwavering commitment to absolute morality is encapsulated in the father's reassurance, "No matter what." This commitment aligns with Kantian principles, emphasizing actions that respect the intrinsic worth of rational beings.
The father and the boy share a bond that transcends the desolation around them. The father, seeing a divine essence in his son, weaves a narrative where the boy becomes the embodiment of a higher truth. This profound connection becomes the bedrock of their moral values, with the duo holding each other accountable. The father's moniker, "If he is not the word of God, God never spoke," underscores the transcendental nature of their relationship.
Contrary to traditional views linking moral absolutes with the existence of God, the essay explores a different perspective. In the absence of a strong religious presence in the man and the boy's lives, their moral standing remains robust. The father's continued influence on the son, even after death, challenges the conventional narrative of God as the sole source of moral absolutes.
Following the father's demise, the son continues to grapple with the moral landscape. Despite trying to connect with God, the boy finds solace and guidance in spiritual communication with his deceased father, emphasizing the enduring strength of the father-son bond as a moral compass.
In conclusion, "The Road" serves as a canvas for the exploration of moral absolutism in a world stripped of conventional morality. The protagonists, shaped by the tenets of Kantian philosophy, uphold absolute principles even in the face of existential threats. The enduring father-son bond emerges as a potent force, steering them through the moral abyss and offering a glimpse into the resilience of absolute morality.
Moral Absolutism in Cormac McCarthy's "The Road". (2016, Sep 16). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-road-by-cormac-mccarthy-father-and-son-story-essay
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