Philosophy in Battlestar Galactica
[Philosophy], particularly the subfield of ethics, seems to play a prominent role as an underpinning theme in many episodes of Battlestar Galactica.
This [philosophy] is generally intertwined with the politics, religions, economies, and societies of both man and the cylons. The dilemmas presented in each plotline serve as stages upon which these philosophies are presented. Naturally, these explorations can be performed in the light of various discliplines such as [political science], [economics], and occasionally hard sciences such as [medicine], [biochemistry], [physics], as each of these applies to [philosophy].
The purpose of this page is not to expound on any of these disciplines, but to link themes and events in the complex and chimeric Battlestar Galactica universe to them. It is well understood and demonstrated that many of the themes within battlestar are subjective in the eye of the viewer, and all views should be welcomed and documented.
Human Philosophy
Human [philosophy] in Battlestar Galactica is strongly influenced by the [polytheistic] human Religion and the Colonial Culture that existed before the [first cylon attack]. The moral and philosophical dilemma posed by the tension between Admiral Adama's strict stance on obedience of his crew and order within the fleet and the preservation of values such as justice and equality serves as a recurring theme. This problem is recurring because there is no solution to it, just as in the real universe.
Cylon Philosophy
Cylon philosophy seems to be centered around the [monotheistic] religion of the cylons. Free will appears to be highly valued by the cylons religion. In Season 3 (some later episode), prior to his [interrogation] under the affects of a [hallucinogen], Number six cylon asks Gaius Baltar if "without free will", he will have dignity, and whether "God can even pity such a creature". This may be a reference to [Kantian philosophy] which links human dignity to rational choice, free will, and accountability for one's actions as a recognition of dignity. Gaius Baltar struggles to grasp this concept throughout the episode, breaking down the elements of his past choices and exclaiming "I am not responsible!", a sentiment reflected by Nazis during the [Nuremberg Trials] who claimed to have simply followed orders without questioning their actions.