Inherited Morality and Ethical Conflict in Arcane: A Philosophical and Psychological Critique of the Greater Good

This article analyses the moral complexities presented in Arcane, the Netflix adaptation of the League of Legends universe by Riot games, through the philosophical lenses of deontology and utilitarianism, as well as Object Relations Theory. Key characters such as Jayce, Jinx, Vi, Vander, and Heimerdinger a Yordle, were analysed to explore how ethical ideologies are embodied and transmitted through relational dynamics. Deontological ethics emphasize personal duty and justice, while utilitarianism in Arcane is often used to justify systematic exploitation in the name of greater good and progress. Object Relations Theory is used to analyse how both of these ethical frameworks are inherited and internalised through influential relationships. The study reveals a frequent pattern in which the characters’ morals and decisions are moulded by their psychological attachments and personal histories, leading to the perpetual conflict between the cities of Zaun and Piltover. Finally, the paper argues that the series Arcane critiques the limitations of both deontology and utilitarianism when it comes to real world applications, presenting the need for a more nuanced, inclusive, and relationally informed of morality, this interdisciplinary approach provides insights into how a character’s ethical reasoning, trauma, and inherited values affect their motivations, making way for broader implications for moral philosophy and media studies.