Philosophy in Battlestar Galactica
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Application of Philosophy in general
Philosophy has been called "the study of study itself", or "the study of thought". The nature and purpose of philosophy each begin with clear, logical, and exhaustive thought.
Philosophy's role in Battlestar Galactica
Philosophy, particularly the subfield of ethics, seems to figure significantly in the themes of many episodes of Battlestar Galactica. Due to the very nature of philosophy, as well as the way scripts are written and altered leading up to the production of television and film works, it would seem important not to attribute a given philosophy to any single event or theme within the series, at least not in a concrete fashion. Philosophy, whether written into a script or imagined in the mind of the viewer, seldom offers permanent or universal solutions to the various problems it can address.
Due to the definition and inherent nature of philosophy, the philosophical content of Battlestar Galactica can easily originate as much in the minds of the viewers as in the those of the writers, producers, and actors that create it. Thus, it would seem feasible that part of the overall allure of Battlestar is for many viewers a feeling of being engaged and involved with the stories. The rich plots and themes invite many viewers to ponder and unravel many of the same questions that have occupied and continue to occupy the minds of philosophers. In this way, dialogue about the struggle of humanity and the nature of the universe is stimulated.
Topics for philosophical treatment and debate
Philosophical content in Battlestar Galactica generally seems intertwined with the political, military, religious, economic, social, and spiritual struggles and concerns of both man and the cylons. The dilemmas that each group faces often raise the common and perennial problems in philosophy- as well as the concepts of justice, free will, determinism, and other philosophical problems.
Naturally, these dilemmas can occur within contexts as diverse as law, politics, economics, sociology, criminology, and occasionally relate to specific issues involving sciences such as medicine, biochemistry and robotics.
Human and Cylon Philosophy
The philosophy of the humans in Battlestar Galactica seems significant influenced by their polytheistic human religion and the colonial culture that existed before the first Cylon attack. As the series progresses, the crises and dilemmas that the humans face influence their thought and decision-making.
Cylon philosophy seems to be anchored strongly to their monotheistic religion and collectivist culture. However, the Cylons seem to gradually evolve from a less tolerant version of monotheism to a more tolerant one that displays elements deist, universalist, or unitarian theology- that is, some sort of all-encompassing, universal religion. This reflects the belief of some Cylons that the complete destruction of mankind is not part of God's plan, and that mankind plays some role in this plan as well as the future of the Cylons.
Philosophical problems and dilemmas
As they do in the real world, philosophical problems that arise in the series seldom come with clear solutions appended to them.
"Water" contains material that can be examined in light of the viewers understanding of determinism versus free will and also responsibility. Sharon Valerii's apparent blackouts or split personality and subsequent acts of treason, sabotage and assassination during these episodes raise these classic philosophical problems: determinism versus free will. Valerii seems unable to exercise control over her volitions, therefore the Galactica crew jumps to the conclusion that Cylons are deterministically or genetically inclined to display malevolence toward humans. Saul Tigh affirms this notion with his war story of a Cylon assault on his ship and crew (Scattered). The Fleet models its inhumane treatment of non-human captives based on this and other assumptions.
POlitical philosophy can be applied to the various dilemmas faced in Battlestar Galactica. In "Dirty Hands", tensions arise between Chief Tyrol and Admiral Adama over Adama's strict utilitarian emphasis on the obedience of his crew and order within the Fleet versus Chief Tyrol's efforts on behalf of tylium plant laborers.
This relates back to President Roslin's similiar stewardship of individual rights, autonomy, and other ethical considerations.
Questions in political philosophy arise over the value of democracy and freedoms, the role of civil liberties within a military, and those held by an interdependent civilian population riding in its wake. While civilian workers are given the right to organize themselves politically and in labor groups, the military, which depends on the chain of command for its efficacy in protecting itself and civilians, sets clear parameters on loyalty. With his involvment in labor issues, Galen Tyrol lands in the middle of competing interests that share a delicate balance. Nevertheless, president Roslin and Admiral Adama trust him to deal with his new role responsibly.
The Choice of a lesser of two evils principle is one common result of the philosophical dilemma. Here, one choice from among multiple unsavoury choices must be made. Admiral Adama's decision to save Galactica by jumping away from New Caprica in episode? is undesireable but preferable to facing a superior inbound Cylon force.
Examples of Moral Dilemmas
Free Will/ Responsibility: The selfish and cowardly Gaius Baltar struggles continually with the concepts of personal responsibility and free will despite coaching from Caprica-Six, who places emphasizes the importance of rational free will Caprica-Six. In "Taking A Break From All Your Worries", prior to interrogation under the affects of an 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. Cylons eventually begin to defy consensus, act in their own interest, and make individual choices despite certain consequences.
Punishment of Cylons: Soon after the discovery of Cylons in the midst of humans aboard Galactica, the punishment of Cylons escalates along a familiar slippery slope. The beating of Sharon Valeri during interrogation by human captors. Summary execution through the airlocking of "dangerous" Cylon captives also occurs around this time. The wanton beating and rape of Number Six by humans eventually follows, apparently serving little purpose other than recreation. This raises questions in the minds of viewers as the whether these actions are logical, justifiable, or necessary. Additionally, larger questions are raised about whether Cylons in their various forms (centurions, raiders, and "humanoid" models) should be treated like humans, like inanimate "machines", or like something else.
Political and Legal Dilemmas
The election-rigging activities undertaken by Laura Roslin and Admiral Adama in "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II" raise several questions commonly addressed by political philosophers, namely centered around the concepts of representation, governmental powers, and balance of power.
Zarek's radicalized struggle for the human rights of prison inmates and Galen Tyrol's organized labor movements at both New Caprica and the tylium plant aboard the Daru Mozu both initiate tension between utilitarian concerns of the military and the colonial government's respect for the autonomy of individuals, presenting challenges to President Roslin, Admiral Adama, Galen Tyrol, Tom Zarek, and others.