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Exploring the Philosophical Themes of Attack on Titan

 Attack on Titan is a popular anime that has captured the attention of viewers worldwide with its compelling storyline and unique characters. While it may seem like a typical action-packed series on the surface, the show delves deeper into themes of existentialism, morality, and the human condition. In this blog post, we will examine the philosophical implications of Attack on Titan and explore how it challenges our perspectives on life and society.

Existentialism

One of the primary themes of Attack on Titan is existentialism, a philosophy that emphasizes the individual's freedom and responsibility in creating their own meaning in life. The show depicts a world in which humanity is confined within massive walls to protect themselves from Titans, giant humanoid creatures that devour humans for no apparent reason. The characters are forced to confront the fragility and futility of their existence as they battle against the Titans and question their purpose in life.

Eren Yeager, the protagonist of the series, embodies this struggle as he grapples with the loss of his mother and the destruction of his hometown. He vows to rid the world of Titans and seeks to discover the truth behind their existence. As he learns more about the Titans, he also begins to question his own identity and purpose, ultimately leading to a crisis of faith.

The show challenges us to examine our own existence and ask ourselves what gives our lives meaning. Is it our relationships, our experiences, or something else entirely? Attack on Titan forces us to confront the absurdity of our existence and make sense of our place in the world.

Morality

Another significant theme in Attack on Titan is morality, particularly the morality of violence. The show portrays a world in which violence is necessary for survival, but at what cost? The characters are forced to make difficult ethical decisions, such as sacrificing innocent lives to achieve a greater good.

One example of this is Erwin Smith, the commander of the Scout Regiment. Erwin is willing to sacrifice the lives of his soldiers to achieve his goals and protect humanity. He believes that the end justifies the means and is willing to make difficult decisions to achieve victory.

However, other characters, such as Armin Arlert, question the morality of this approach. Armin believes that all life is valuable and that sacrificing innocent lives is never justified, no matter the stakes. He argues that humanity must find a way to survive without resorting to violence and sacrificing the lives of the innocent.

Through these characters and their differing perspectives, Attack on Titan challenges us to think critically about the morality of violence and the difficult ethical decisions that we may face in our own lives.

The Human Condition

Finally, Attack on Titan explores the human condition, specifically the nature of humanity and its flaws. The show portrays humanity as flawed and capable of both great good and great evil.

One example of this is the character of Reiner Braun, who is revealed to be a traitor and responsible for numerous deaths. Reiner's character illustrates the idea that anyone, regardless of their past actions, is capable of redemption and forgiveness. The show also highlights the importance of forgiveness and understanding in the face of tragedy and adversity.

Overall, Attack on Titan is a powerful anime that explores deep philosophical themes and challenges our perspectives on life and society. Through its depiction of existentialism, morality, and the human condition, the show forces us to confront difficult questions about our own existence and the meaning of our lives.

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