"South Park" and Philosophy

Paper Summary:

The animated show "South Park" depicts dozens of different characters interacting in ways that reveal the writers' assumptions about human nature. Each episode examines a particular situation from various perspectives, drawing out the multiplicity of voices and opinions that characterizes human social life. The paper shows that although the writers usually don't intend to pay homage to philosophers like the Buddha, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Darwin, Marx, or Freud, these thinkers and their theories helped shape our culture's value system and worldview. Therefore, popular shows like "South Park" inevitably reflect some of these core philosophies. The paper shows that, in particular, "South Park" deals intermittently with Freudian ego/id/superego theory as well as his theories on unconscious desires; Hobbes' and Humes' ideas regarding free will and determinism; and Kierkegaard's theories on social alienation.

From the Paper:

"A prime example of neurosis is the character Eric Cartman. A raving sociopath at times, Cartman occasionally lets his eight-year old consciousness shine through. Unlike most of the other characters on the show, Cartman rarely if ever shows any concern for superego. Cartman unabashedly has no sense of right or wrong, willfully hurts people for his own gratification, and cares not for the social norms and mores that guide social behavior. In several episodes, Cartman acts cruelly because it gratifies his id while ignoring his superego. As a result of his lack of conscience, Cartman does not suffer from the types of neuroses that affect other characters on the show."

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