Interestingly enough, you are not the first person to observe the Whedon seems to be misanthropic. That's a discussion I've had with several people. I would argue the point (obviously) simply because Whedon seems to equate masculinity with evil. Of all the various recurring male characters on the show, what is intrinsically masculine about them is either stripped away or turned into a parody of masculinity. In my opinion, Angelus is the only truly masculine character on the show (and I'll explain that in later metas), and his masculinity is both threatening and a parody of normal male drives.
As for your point about the souls, I'll have to concede to it. I will say that the running theme throughout the show was of the soul as a free pass. Much is made of having a soul, as if it were the only thing that decided between someone being good or evil.
As for your points on Utilitarianism, I'll admit that I didn't write this with a specific philosophical school in mind. It seems to me that Joss Whedon (like so many of the rest of us) cherry-picks his way through different philosophies, taking what he likes and abandoning the rest. However, the treatment of Willow after the murder of Warren Meers would indicate that Whedon does not subscribe to the Utilitarian belief that the one's actions should be judged on the outcome. On the other hand, the narrative of needing redemption and achieving redemption through good acts seems to suggest otherwise. Frankly, I'd be hard put to consign the show's (or Joss Whedon's) views to one philosopical camp or another.
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ninetydegrees
no subject
on 2007-08-31 04:37 am (UTC)As for your point about the souls, I'll have to concede to it. I will say that the running theme throughout the show was of the soul as a free pass. Much is made of having a soul, as if it were the only thing that decided between someone being good or evil.
As for your points on Utilitarianism, I'll admit that I didn't write this with a specific philosophical school in mind. It seems to me that Joss Whedon (like so many of the rest of us) cherry-picks his way through different philosophies, taking what he likes and abandoning the rest. However, the treatment of Willow after the murder of Warren Meers would indicate that Whedon does not subscribe to the Utilitarian belief that the one's actions should be judged on the outcome. On the other hand, the narrative of needing redemption and achieving redemption through good acts seems to suggest otherwise. Frankly, I'd be hard put to consign the show's (or Joss Whedon's) views to one philosopical camp or another.