The Thomistic Institute Becoming Human: Barbie, Storytelling, and Aquinas on Self-Knowledge | Prof. Joshua Hochschild
Jul 8, 2025
Join Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosopher with expertise in medieval thought, as he delves into the philosophical aspects of the Barbie movie. Hochschild discusses how the film serves as a canvas for existential questions, linking its narrative to Aquinas’s ideas. He navigates through various interpretations, emphasizing the moral dimensions of storytelling. The conversation touches on Barbie’s transformation into a self-aware being, advocating for the importance of community and female agency while exploring deeper theological insights woven into popular culture.
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Adultery Story Reframes Morality
- Joshua Hochschild shared a classroom story about a short story called Adultery, which initially drew moral condemnation from students.
- He reframed the character Edith as a complex human, leading to deeper literary and theological insight beyond simple moral judgment.
Literary Analysis Must Respect Story
- Literary analysis requires reasoning on a story's own terms, not just applying ideology or dogma.
- Stories teach through detail and character depth, not necessarily by offering clear moral lessons.
Plato's Complex View on Poetry
- Plato's philosophical suspicion of poetry stems from poetry's powerful ability to shape identity and beliefs.
- Yet Plato also used storytelling artfully in his philosophical works, showing poetry's complex role.
