top of page
Search

A Rule-Utilitarian

Peter Kam Fai Cheung SBS

FADE IN:

INT. GARDEN - DAY

A BOY (13) in school uniform walks in front of PETER. As he accidentally drops something behind, he turns back his head to check. Noticing it's just a coin, he doesn't bother and walks on.

PETER (V.O.)

He doesn't want it.

FLASHBACK

EXT. PATH - DAY

As he walks, Peter (9) keeps his eyes on the ground to check.

PETER (V.O.)

See if I can find a coin

dropped by someone.

He keeps on searching.

END FLASHBACK

They arrive at a pedestrian crossing. The traffic light is red. The boy walks across it but Peter stops.

PETER (V.O.)

I believe and practise

rule-utilitarianism. It's

immoral for me so to

do. Even if people don't

care about philosophy,

at least they'd care

about their safety.

Obeying the rules has

good consequences

for all in the longer

term.

FLASHBACK

INT. ESTATE CAR PARK - DAY

Following directional signs, Peter drives in a single lane. He suddenly sees a Grey Mercedes coming in the opposite direction. The DRIVER in suit signals to Peter to back off.

PETER (V.O.)

The driver has been

disobeying the house

rules on a daily basis

...

Peter stops his car and responds the same to the driver. Shouting abusive words and gestures, the driver backs off his car and re-follows the rules.

END FLASHBACK.

PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)

I then complained to

the management,

suggesting it to seek

a mandatory injunction

against the driver and

ask him to pay the legal

costs.

Pausing.

PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)

Subsequent to that,

the driver in suit

apologized to me, and

I accepted that.

Pausing.

PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)

But after his conforming to

the traffic rules, whenever

we bump into each other

at the car park, he ignores

me.

Pausing.

PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)

That's Okay. I don't want

to associate with people

who aren't morally clean.

And I've become his source

of unhappiness as he

doesn't get what he wants

because of me.

Pausing.

PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)

As my belief wouldn't

allow excuses in breaking

moral rules, there are many

lines that I can't cross, I

mightn't get the pleasure

in breaking rules.

Pausing.

PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)

Eg, if I drop something,

I'd pick or clean it up.

The boy, not picking his

coin, has littered - that

isn't morally clean

either. I abide by the

rules, not just for myself,

but for others too. I'd

be very happy if I can

set an example for

others to follow.

EXT. CLUB HOUSE SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT

Two LIFE GUARDS take positions as Peter enters.

PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)

As lifeguards, they'd

take their positions even

if nobody is swimming.

As swimming is good

health, I'd swim even

though others wouldn't.

As a rule-utilitarian, I

feel morally clean!

FADE OUT. The End

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Into the Deep

FADE IN Act 1   INT. LIVING ROOM - 12:30 PETER stares at his laptop, with a weathered face and determined eyes. PETER (V.O.): I've...

Kaji: The Unseen Bond

FADE I N   A ct 1   INT. HOME - MORNING   Cozy. KAJI sits by the front door. KAJI (V.O.): My world revolves around the Pack Leader and...

  • Facebook Social Icon
  • Twitter Social Icon
  • LinkedIn Social Icon

+(852) 6819 8258

Fortune Chambers, 2305, Tower Two,

Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway, Hong Kong 

©2017 BY PETER KAM FAI CHEUNG. PROUDLY CREATED WITH WIX.COM

bottom of page