The Philosophy of The Incredibles – Wisecrack Edition

TL;DR

The Incredibles films explore power and responsibility over objectivism.

Transcript

Hey guys, Michael here, or as I’m known in the office - the bad boy of 19th century Danish philosophy scholarship. You probably already know two of the things we love rambling about most, at Wisecrack, are superheroes and philosophy. So, today we’re going to take a look at two films that are full of superheroes and big philosophical questions: The ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The Incredibles introspectively critiques objectivism by showcasing the importance of community over individualistic pursuits.
• 🫠 The films emphasize the moral responsibility inherent in possessing power, presenting character arcs that evolve from narcissism to altruism.
• 🦹 Media's dual role as a savior and villain in society reflects contemporary concerns over consumption and personal agency.
• 🥺 Buddy's journey underscores the destructive nature of misplaced hero-worshipting that leads to a toxic craving for validation and dominance.
• 🤳 The portrayal of Evelyn critiques the reliance on personal agency and self-sufficiency while simultaneously undermining the exceptional capabilities of others.
• 👨‍⚖️ Aristotle's philosophy serves as a moral framework that aligns with the characters' journeys of understanding true virtue and justice.
• 🤨 The films highlight the paradox of wealth, depicting how access to resources allows for privilege but also raises ethical questions about accountability.

Questions & Answers

Q: What philosophical theory does the video primarily relate to The Incredibles?

The video primarily relates the films to objectivism, a theory proposed by Ayn Rand that emphasizes personal happiness, reason, and an uninhibited pursuit of individual power. Advocates see reflections of this theory in the exceptional abilities of the supers and their critiques of a society that promotes egalitarianism at the expense of exceptionalism. However, the analysis posits that the films challenge objectivism by showcasing the moral responsibilities associated with power.

Q: How do the films illustrate the concept of moral responsibility?

The Incredibles films depict moral responsibility through Mr. Incredible's journey, where initially prioritizing personal power and glory leads to negative consequences for his family. His character arc emphasizes learning that true heroism is not about personal gain but using one's abilities to support and protect others, reinforcing the importance of accountability that comes with power.

Q: Can you explain the role of media in Incredibles 2?

In Incredibles 2, media plays a critical role through the character Winston Deavor, who aims to rehabilitate superheroes’ public image while his sister, Evelyn, utilizes media to undermine their credibility. The portrayal of media examines its potential to shape perceptions and influence public trust, as well as the darker implications of media manipulation in a society increasingly detached from reality, encapsulated in Evelyn's villainous plan.

Q: What critique do the films offer against Randian philosophy?

The films critique Randian philosophy by highlighting the consequences of unchecked ambition and individualism, especially through characters like Buddy and Evelyn who embody self-serving ideologies. Their personal pursuits lead to instability and ethical quandaries, contrasting Rand's assertion that their exceptionalism could generate meaninful societal contributions. The resolution in both films entails collaboration and altruism as the ultimate expressions of true heroism.

Q: How does Aristotle’s philosophy connect to the themes in The Incredibles?

Aristotle’s emphasis on moral virtue and the idea that happiness comes from ethical living echo throughout The Incredibles. The character of Mr. Incredible initially embodies a superficial pursuit of happiness through power, but his journey reflects Aristotle's belief that true fulfillment arises from virtue, notably when one uses power to uplift others rather than for personal satisfaction, demonstrating a balance of power and responsibility.

Q: What paradox concerning wealth is presented in the films?

The films present a paradox regarding wealth, especially through Violet's comment on Evelyn's potential leniency despite her wealth. It underscores systemic injustices in society where access to resources grants a form of power that can shield individuals from accountability. This critique suggests that wealth, while a product of exceptionalism, can distort moral judgment and hinder genuine justice.

Q: How do the characters of Buddy and Evelyn illustrate the dangers of obsession with power?

Buddy and Evelyn represent the dark side of ambition and the obsession with power. Buddy's transformation into Syndrome reveals how idolizing power can devolve into corrosive desires, while Evelyn’s need for control leads her to manipulate others for revenge, resulting in catastrophic outcomes. They demonstrate how unchecked desires can culminate in moral failures and highlight the necessity for responsibility in using one’s power.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Incredibles and its sequel delve into philosophical themes surrounding power, responsibility, and media influence while critique of personal exceptionalism.

• The narrative contrasts objectivism, represented by characters' desires for exceptionalism, with moral journeys emphasizing the ethics of using one’s abilities for the greater good.

• Characters Buddy and Evelyn illustrate the pitfalls of unchecked ambition and infatuation with power, ultimately leading to harmful consequences.