Is using Axii ethical?

[cmdr_silverbolt]

My personal take is that it's Geralt's job to be a monster hunter. If he needs something to get the job done, it would be unethical to not employ it.

 

[Demut]

Come on, you don’t really think that. Or do you actually believe that, say, using a child as bait for a monster would be ethical?

 

[vivaxardas2015]

Come on, you don’t really think that. Or do you actually believe that, say, using a child as bait for a monster would be ethical?

This question is something we will answer playing TW3. The demo quest is of exactly this kind of choice -

Spoiler

to sacrifice a girl whom a monster marked to use her life force for resurrection, and without it he can't be killed, or not.

 

[cmdr_silverbolt]

Come on, you don’t really think that. Or do you actually believe that, say, using a child as bait for a monster would be ethical?

Um, I don't want to spoil TW3 for myself, so I am not going to look too much into the context of this scenario

But really, whatever you choose to do is context-dependent.

 

[EmperorZorn]

But really, whatever you choose to do is context-dependent.

Igni works in every context.

 

[iisvloi]

I honestly never gave it much thought until now; I mean when demanding more money, yes it might seem unethical. But there are plenty of other times he uses Axii to defuse a tough situation or calm an irate individual. It's like the Igni sign; You can use it to light torches or burn a man at the stake, it all really depends on context and one's intention.

 

[cmdr_silverbolt]

@ emperorzorn

Lol, it sure damn does But Op asked about Axii so...

 

[Demut]

But really, whatever you choose to do is context-dependent.

Eh, as someone who subscribes to categorical ethics rather than consequentialist ones I would disagree with that. But I understand that not everyone thinks that way.

 

[username_2635215]

With great power comes great responsibility!

Sorry, I just had to do this

 

[vivaxardas2015]

With great power comer great responsibility!

Sorry, I just had to do this

Well, like one total bastard I knew long ago once said, so what you killed a kid? Just make two new ones. I nearly broke his jaw because he was bloody serious, but only after I stopped laughing. Sorry for Russian black humor. It is a way we used to cope with hard reality. I wouldn't even try to translate some kids' black poems, don't want all Russians be seen as sociopaths.

 

[HylianColibri]

I believe that Geralt do (or does? I don't remember xD) the things that will serve for a greater good, and, in the game context,I think he's right.

Nice topic, btw, I love this kind of discussion.

 

[jediknight16]

The thing is, Geralt don't use the sign to get laid nor making fun of somebody by forcing him to do something he/she don't want. Can't be compared to Jedi mind trick either, since the way a jedi use this ability can lead him to the dark side, when a witcher won't be affected no matter how or why he use it. Plus, a mutant who save people from monster only if they pay him to do so can't have a lot of ethic. Witchers are not knights, saving the widow and orphan, they don't bother with such considerations as good or bad, so why would they care about using a magic to help them do their job ? They don't care what people think or say.

 

[Cs__sz__r]

I play through the games multiple times, but the one I consider my "canon" Geralt always acts like I would in real life and I extend that to beyond axii(bribing, intimidation, and persuasion). Best example I know off the top of my head would be the merchant you get the reward from for the kayran.

Way I see it I didn't have a job before, and now I'm going to be making some cash. Sure this dude might be loaded, but is it right to make him pay more when I'm simply happy to have some work? Hell no.

Now if it comes to something else such as someone withholding information from me with something I'm involved in, I'm going to axii the shit out of him.

Just depends on the situation really. Money wise-I play a witcher and witchers work for pittance. Other situations-that's well, situational. />

 

[AserPik]

I guess you could take the annoying approach of "yolo"?

Hahaha... couldn't resist.

 

[Beestonian]

This sort of question would make a good quest line for the Witcher 3. I missed the ethical and philosophical discussions from the Witcher 1. *Hint Hint*

 

[Sirnaq]

Gameplay mechanics unethical? Not really, considering you are playing against ai not real humans. And story wise axii sign is nothing more than sedative and painkiller, mostly used by witchers on their horses.

Spoiler

no, it is not jedi mind trick

 

[exile025]

"These aren't the droids you're looking for , move along" Well if Obi-Wan was able to use mind manipulation i think that Gerald is clear , but again it's not like any magic move is ethical , there are not neccecerily good or bad it's how you use them that defines them.

 

[colibrie]

I understand the OP's question. Been thinking about it too while playing. Glad Geralt really doesn't use the sign in a unethical way (in my opinion)... But possesing that kind of power is still a bit disturbing. But I trust that Geralt only uses it in a right place - getting through from the guards and preventing bloodsheds etc.

I have had a dream where I used Axii. /> I was keenly building some contraption when an adult (I was still a teen back then) got to disturb me saying I should stop building that thing, it was late. But I just had to make that thing and it was almost ready. My axii was very weak but I managed to make the adult strongly realise "he needed a drink". So he half-willingly left and I was happily being left alone with my project. He came back after the drink and I managed to use axii couple of times to repeat that. Every time he realised he needed to do something else than to bother me. I liked that dream. />
was it unethical? />

For me it felt totally ok as everything was okay and I knew what I was doing. Didn't need any authorities to tell me what to do. So I wanted to kindly avoid any bother as the thing I was building seemed to be important to me, yet I felt others wouldn't understand. />

 

[Demut]

Gameplay mechanics unethical? Not really, considering you are playing against ai not real humans.

Thanks for pointing that out, somehow that slipped my mind *sarcastic clap*

 

[dragonbird]

If this is intended to be a serious discussion, please avoid personal attacks in the replies.
Thanks.