1. List the ethical positions you observed Sophie take and give evidence of each.
Sophie Scholl demonstrated an extraordinary level of bravery throughout the entire process. The act of distributing the flyers, the accusations, the interrogations, the death sentence. It is possibly the hardest thing to know the severity of the consequences and still be able to keep your composure and maintain your dignity as Sophie Scholl did.
2. Sophie lied to her interrogator. How would you justify (or condemn) her actions from an ethical perspective? What is your view of the importance of telling the truth?
Lying in order to save your life and preserve the message Sophie had to share with the world in my view can be excused. Lying can that result in a negative impact on someones life (emotional/physical) on the other hand not at all acceptable. If the truth incurs unjust treatment and punishment of an individual whom is concerned with the fair treatment of humanity, it is only then alright to tell lies: when it is not only for the benefit of yourself.
3. What impression do you have of Sophie’s awareness of the potential consequences of her actions during the film? How did this awareness impact on her actions?
Sophies awareness of the possible consequences encouraged her to lie to the interrogator (as a natural human instinct). Knowledge of the consequences also allowed her to stand strong and fight for her beliefs; also as a human instinct. Sophie was well aware that she was engaging in acts against her country and the German Nazi ideals, and so she was able answer the interrogators questions judiciously and carefully.
4. Discuss the extent to which Sophie’s ethics guided by her faith. How did her ethics impact on her spiritual journey?
God provide Sophie with the strength to refrain from becoming submissive and rather stand by her beliefs. An example would be her argument that only God had the power to take someone from the Earth and than no other man had power or the right to decide upon the fate of who should be gassed based on mental/physical ability or nationality.
5. What would you do in Sophie’s position?
I dont think i would have the same courage to speak out against such a strong and collective force who were inflicting pain and suffering on people other than the community in which i existed. In saying this, conformity to people ideals is something that really agitates me as an individual so if i was in Sophies position i would investigate in external sources to distribute the flyers containing negative propaganda of Nazi Germany. This would be less suspicious and therefore result in a lesser chance of being caught.
6. What other thoughts, questions or comments do you have as a result of watching this film?
I truly envy the courage of Sophie Scholl and admire her drive and passion to protect the rights of others.
