The Saad Truth with Dr. Saad

The Prescience of "A Few Good Men" and Suicidal Empathy (The Saad Truth with Dr. Saad_952)

Jan 5, 2026
The discussion opens with a deep dive into the moral dilemmas presented by art and film. A tension between absolute moral rules and outcome-based ethics is explored, particularly through the lens of extracting dictators. A pivotal clip from 'A Few Good Men' highlights harsh choices for the greater good. The relevance of this film in today's context is examined, along with a critique of 'suicidal empathy' that hampers national security. Ultimately, the conversation challenges listeners to reconsider empathy in the face of real-world threats.
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INSIGHT

Deontological Versus Consequentialist Tension

  • Gad Saad frames the debate as deontological vs consequentialist ethics and contrasts absolute rules with outcome-based judgments.
  • He suggests both frameworks offer valuable lessons but emphasizes their persistent relevance to modern dilemmas.
INSIGHT

Ethics Shape Views On Military Intervention

  • Gad Saad uses contemporary examples to show how the ethical split appears in debates over foreign interventions.
  • He notes both deontological objections and consequentialist defenses have informative value.
ANECDOTE

A Few Good Men Scene Illustrates the Dilemma

  • Gad Saad plays the famous A Few Good Men exchange to illustrate the ethical debate in vivid cinematic form.
  • The Colonel's speech portrays that harsh, secretive acts may be justified if they supposedly save lives.
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