Twilight and Philosophy: Vampires, Vegetarians, and the Pursuit of Immortality
William Irwin, Rebecca Housel, J. Wisnewski
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In the Twilight saga, love is a central theme, embodying both passion and sacrifice. The relationship between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen is a complex exploration of love's nature. Their connection is intense and passionate, often bordering on obsession, reflecting the Greek concept of "eros," which can be both irrational and transformative. Their love transcends human limitations, as Edward's vegetarianism and Bella's eventual transformation into a vampire illustrate. This love is also characterized by its power to change and transform, as seen in Bella's evolution from a human to a vampire and Edward's struggle to control his nature. Their love is both a source of strength and vulnerability, driving their actions and decisions throughout the series. The saga ultimately suggests that love, while powerful, is not without its challenges and consequences.
The concept of immortality significantly shapes the decisions and narrative of the Twilight saga. It introduces themes of love, ethics, and the meaning of life. Bella's desire for immortality is rooted in her love for Edward, as she fears losing him. This desire influences her choices, including her decision to become a vampire. The vampires' immortality also affects their values and behavior; they often prioritize their own survival and pleasure, leading to conflicts and moral dilemmas. The narrative explores the consequences of immortality, including the potential for boredom and the loss of human connections. The characters' pursuit of immortality raises philosophical questions about the nature of life, love, and the human condition.
The Cullen vampires' vegetarianism raises ethical considerations regarding animal rights and human ethics. Their choice to abstain from human blood and feed on animals reflects a moral stance against killing for trivial reasons, emphasizing the value of life. This resonates with Western ethical ideas, suggesting humans are in a higher moral category and animals exist for human purposes. However, it also challenges these ideas by treating animals as equals, as both Bella and Edward practice vegetarianism for ethical reasons.
The debate on animal rights is central, as it questions whether animals have inherent value and deserve moral consideration. The Cullens' vegetarianism implies that animals have rights, which contrasts with the traditional view of humans as superior. This reflects broader philosophical debates on speciesism, the idea that humans are inherently superior to other species, and whether personhood should be based on biological differences.
Moreover, the Cullens' vegetarianism raises questions about the ethics of killing animals for food, even when necessary for survival. It challenges the Utilitarian perspective that focuses on maximizing happiness, suggesting that reasons for killing matter, and that killing animals for food is acceptable only when necessary for survival. This reflects a broader debate on the moral status of animals and the ethical treatment of non-human life.
The Twilight saga challenges traditional notions of personhood by introducing vampires, who possess human-like qualities yet are fundamentally different. The book raises questions about whether biological characteristics or moral behavior should define personhood. The criteria for determining personhood should include consciousness, self-motivated activity, practical reason, and the ability to flourish. This approach allows for the consideration of intelligent extraterrestrials and animals, suggesting that personhood is not solely dependent on being human. The saga also explores the idea that individuals who choose to harm others may be excluded from the moral community, regardless of their species.
Philosophy plays a crucial role in understanding the Twilight saga by offering insights into its themes and characters. The series serves as a vehicle for exploring philosophical concepts like love, morality, personhood, and the nature of life. For instance, the characters' vegetarianism raises ethical questions about killing and the value of human life. The vampire's immortality challenges the meaning of life and the nature of death. The series also delves into existential themes, such as the fear of death and the search for immortality, through the vampire characters. Additionally, the narrative's exploration of good and evil, and the characters' choices, reflect philosophical debates on free will, determinism, and moral responsibility. By examining these themes, the Twilight saga becomes a rich source for philosophical analysis and discussion.