Write about LORD OF THE FLIES (1990) film. How does it relate to philosophy? Do not give me background of the author unless it relates to a historical philosopher. Give a long summary about the movie as it should relate to what we learn in class. Also cite evidence from the Moral Life Seventh Edition.

Question

Papers. You pick the fourteen assigned readings you want to write about. Since there are more than fourteen readings to choose from, not everyone will write about the same fourteen topics. Write in complete sentences using Standard English grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Response Papers need to be 700 words or more

Your Response Papers must consist of two paragraphs!!!
-In your first paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have carefully read the text assigned for that day, by explaining, in your own words, what is going on in a particular section of it. You can choose to write about one paragraph, or one page, from the text assigned for that day. You must include a brief quotation (or two) from the passage you are writing about, and you must indicate the quotation’s page number. Put the source [either Moral Life or Folio] and the page number, in brackets right after the quotation. i.e., ... Some things are up to us, some are not up to us” (Moral Life, p.388). I will assume you are using the assigned Seventh Edition of the textbook. If you are using a previous textbook edition, indicate which version in your citation. Do not spend any time on biographical information about the philosopher.

-In the second paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have thought critically about this portion of the text by offering some critical response to it (i.e. what you think about the ideas in this portion of the text, and why you think that). The second paragraph must be as long as or longer than the first paragraph!!!

Answer 1

Response Paper: "Lord of the Flies" (1990 Film) and Its Philosophical Implications

The 1990 film adaptation of William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" presents a compelling exploration of the duality of human nature and the fragility of civilization, themes that resonate deeply with various philosophical discourses, particularly those related to morality and social contract theory. In the film, a group of boys, stranded on an uninhabited island following the crash of their plane, initially attempts to establish order through democratic means, led by Ralph, who symbolizes reason and order. However, as time progresses, tensions rise, and power struggles emerge, most notably with Jack, whose desire for dominance leads to the collapse of social order as he embraces primal instincts and savagery. This dynamic illustrates the philosophical ideas debated by figures like Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Hobbes argued that humans are inherently selfish and driven by a desire for power, which reflects Jack's descent into tyranny and violence as he abandons the principles of cooperation and morality in favor of chaos and control. The film captures the moment when Jack and his followers choose to ignore the established rules, leading to a tragic spiral of violence that culminates in murder, showcasing the philosopher's view that without the constructs of society, humans revert to their basest instincts. The pivotal scene where Piggy's glasses are destroyed symbolizes the loss of reason and rationality, underscoring that the fragile veneer of civilization can easily shatter when faced with barbarism (Moral Life, p. 212).

Critically engaging with the film, it becomes evident that the collapse of civilization among the boys serves as a cautionary tale about the nature of humanity and the moral implications of power dynamics. The film not only highlights the potential for savagery within humanity but also emphasizes the moral responsibilities associated with leadership and governance. Ralph's initial attempts to foster collaboration and communication reveal a commitment to societal values, which are increasingly undermined by Jack's rise to power rooted in intimidation and fear. This interplay aligns with the moral philosophy discussed in the "Moral Life," which asserts that morality is not only about individual actions but also about the systems and structures that regulate social behavior (Moral Life, p. 358). The moral dilemmas the boys face mirror broader ethical questions about authority, the collective good, and individual rights. For example, the conflict between Ralph’s democratic leadership and Jack’s authoritarian regime raises questions about the legitimacy of power: is it derived from consent and shared values, or can it emerge through coercion and violence? Moreover, the film’s tragic end, where the boys are rescued by a naval officer who views them as “little savages,” further complicates the narrative by suggesting that the lines between civilization and barbarism are alarmingly thin, leading viewers to ponder the inherent darkness in humanity and the importance of nurturing moral ideals. Consequently, "Lord of the Flies," through its depiction of the descent into chaos, invites critical reflection on the nature of humanity, the foundations of morality, and the requirements for a just society, resonating with both Hobbesian and Rousseauian philosophies that continue to provoke thought about human nature’s role in shaping moral life.