Frankenstein and Hobbesian Philosophy

Frankenstein and Philosophical Responses

• Frankenstein's Themes: Exploration of creation, responsibility, alienation, and human knowledge limits. Victor Frankenstein's ambition leads to tragedy, reflecting 19th-century anxieties about scientific advancements and societal alienation.

Hobbes' Perspective

• Hobbes' Key Ideas: Humans are naturally self-interested, existing in a "state of nature" (solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short). Social order comes from a social contract and submitting to a sovereign authority. Human creations, like government or artificial beings, need oversight for proper function.

• Hobbes on Frankenstein: Criticizes Victor's hubris for disrupting the natural order by creating life. Victor's abandonment of the creature leaves it in a "state of nature," creating a threat. The creature's actions are consequences of unchecked self-preservation in the absence of societal restraints. Hobbes would advocate for governance to control unchecked power.

• Supporting Evidence: Victor's abandonment parallels Hobbes' chaotic "state of nature." The creature's misery and violence reflect the dangers of social isolation.

Wollstonecraft's Perspective

• Wollstonecraft's Key Ideas: Advocates for rationality, education, and equality. Criticizes societal structures that marginalize individuals. Emphasizes the moral and intellectual responsibility of caregivers and educators.

• Wollstonecraft on Frankenstein: Condemns Victor for neglecting the creature. Abandoning the creature denies it the education and socialization needed for moral and intellectual development. Views the creature as a metaphor for marginalized groups. The creature's violence stems from lack of guidance and acceptance, not inherent nature. Advocates for education to transform the creature.

• Supporting Evidence: The creature's self-education shows its capacity for learning and emotional depth. Victor's negligence contrasts with her emphasis on nurturing and educating dependents.

Rousseau's Perspective

• Rousseau's Key Ideas: Humans are inherently good in their natural state but are corrupted by society. Civilization creates artificial hierarchies, causing suffering. Emphasizes harmony with nature and community's role in shaping morality.

• Rousseau on Frankenstein: Sees the creature as a "noble savage," initially pure, corrupted by society's rejection and cruelty. The creature's descent into violence reflects societal corruption. Victor's attempt to control nature highlights the Enlightenment's arrogance. Advocates for the creature's acceptance into society, emphasizing compassion and community.

• Supporting Evidence: The creature's initial kindness (helping the De Lacey family) mirrors Rousseau's belief in inherent goodness. The creature's suffering illustrates society's corrupting influence.

Comparative Analysis and Discussion Points

• Responsibility and Governance: Hobbes emphasizes authority, Wollstonecraft highlights nurturing, and Rousseau criticizes societal corruption.

• Human Nature: Hobbes views humans as self-interested, Wollstonecraft as rational and improvable, and Rousseau as inherently good but corrupted by society.

• Modern Relevance: How do these perspectives apply to contemporary issues in AI, genetic engineering, and ethical obligations? How does the creature's alienation relate to current marginalization problems?

Brief Answers to Selected Questions

• Creature's experience and Hobbes' state of nature: Creature's abandonment mirrors the chaotic "state of nature" characterized by self-preservation and lack of governance.

• Wollstonecraft's view on the creature's reflection of societal failure: The creature is a victim of societal prejudice and lack of nurturing, education, and guidance.

• Rousseau's "noble savage" and the creature's journey: The creature embodies Rousseau's "noble savage", initially pure but corrupted by rejection and societal mistreatment.

• Thinkers' differing interpretations of Victor's responsibility:

• Hobbes: Victor failed to govern his creation.

• Wollstonecraft: Victor failed to nurture and educate the creature.

• Rousseau: Victor disrupted the natural order and failed to create a compassionate communal environment.

• Lessons from Frankenstein for modern ethical dilemmas: Hobbes: strong governance and oversight. Wollstonecraft: nurture and education. Rousseau: avoid arrogance, seek harmony and compassion.

This quiz delves into the philosophical themes of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' and the implications of Hobbes' theories. Explore the themes of creation, responsibility, and social order as they relate to Victor Frankenstein's tragic ambition and the creature's existence in a 'state of nature'.