The Ethics of Dr. Tenma's Dilemma - Monster

Analyzing The Moral Ambiguity in Monster: 

Introduction: 

If you're a fan of anime, you might have heard of 'Monster', a psychological thriller that explores the moral ambiguity of its characters. The protagonist, Dr. Kenzo Tenma, is faced with a difficult decision that haunts him throughout the series. This blog post will analyze the ethical implications of Dr. Tenma's dilemma and the impact it has on the narrative.

What is 'Monster' about? 

First, let's provide some context. 'Monster' follows the story of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a skilled brain surgeon who saves the life of a young boy over a politician. He soon realizes that the boy is a serial killer and decides to correct his mistake by finding and stopping him. However, this decision has significant consequences for Dr. Tenma, and he is forced to confront his actions throughout the series.

The Dilemma: 

Dr. Tenma's dilemma is the crux of the series. He faces a moral dilemma when he realizes that the boy he saved is a serial killer. He becomes obsessed with correcting his mistake and tries to track down the boy to stop him. However, his pursuit puts him in danger and causes him to lose everything he holds dear. This dilemma raises many ethical questions that we will explore in this blog post.

The Ethical Implications: 

One of the most significant ethical implications of Dr. Tenma's dilemma is the question of whether it is right to play God. As a doctor, Dr. Tenma took an oath to save lives. However, when he realizes that the boy he saved is a killer, he decides to take matters into his own hands. He becomes the judge, jury, and executioner, all in the name of correcting his mistake. This decision raises the question of whether it is right to take justice into your own hands, even if you believe it is the right thing to do.

Another ethical implication of Dr. Tenma's dilemma is the concept of the greater good. Dr. Tenma's decision to pursue the serial killer puts him in danger and causes him to lose everything he holds dear. However, he continues to pursue him because he believes it is the right thing to do. This decision raises the question of whether the greater good justifies the sacrifice of personal happiness.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, 'Monster' is a thought-provoking anime series that explores the moral ambiguity of its characters. Dr. Tenma's dilemma raises important ethical questions about justice, the greater good, and the role of individuals in society. As we have seen, his decision to pursue the serial killer has significant consequences and forces him to confront his actions throughout the series. Through this analysis, we hope to have shed some light on the ethical implications of Dr. Tenma's dilemma and the impact it has on the narrative.