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 political, religious, economic, and sociological concerns of both man and the cylons. The dilemmas presented in each plotline serve as catalysts for the application of philosophy to these conditions. Naturally, these explorations relate to various other discliplines such as political science, economics, and occasionally hard sciences such as medicine, biochemistry and physics.

The purpose of this effort is not to expound on the details of all of these disciplines, but to link themes and events in the complex and chimeric Battlestar Galactica universe externally to the real world, connecting the rich layers of BSG to tangible examples. However, it is widely understood by fans that many of the themes within battlestar are subjective in the eye of the viewer, and each of these perspectives should be shared and discussed.

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 likeness of human thought to Greek philosophy in some ways is strikingly anachronistic.

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 dignity and integrity, justice and equality serves as a recurring theme. This problem has no permanent solution, just as it does not in the real universe.

Cylon Philosophy

Cylon philosophy seems to be anchored to the monotheistic religion and collectivist culture of the Cylons. Yet Cylons eventually begin to act in their own interests and defy consensus.

Free will appears to be highly valued by Caprica-Six. In "Taking A Break From All Your Worries", prior to his interrogation under the affects of a hallucinogen, Caprica-Six asks Gaius Baltar if "without free will", he would have any dignity whatsoever- 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. Baltar struggles to grasp this concept throughout the episode, breaking down the elements of his past choices and later exclaiming "I am not responsible!", a sentiment reflected by Nazis during the Nuremberg Trials who claimed to have simply followed orders without question- following groupthink consensus without exercising their autonomy.