The Existential in Red Dead Redemption 2

30 snips

Dec 5, 2022

In a captivating discussion, Patrick Stokes, a professor of philosophy and author, delves into the existential themes of Red Dead Redemption 2. He examines how the game explores nostalgia and the weight of choice, echoing Kierkegaard's insights. Stokes shares his reflections on protagonist Arthur Morgan's moral journey, emphasizing the rich interplay of freedom and responsibility. The conversation also touches on the unpredictability of death in gaming narratives, revealing how the medium can provoke profound philosophical inquiry and self-reflection.

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ANECDOTE

Stokes's Interest in Kierkegaard

Patrick Stokes became interested in Kierkegaard as an undergrad after reading Sartre.
Kierkegaard's intriguing pseudonymity and existential urgency captivated him.

ANECDOTE

Discovering Red Dead Redemption 2

Stokes, not a gamer, got an Xbox during COVID lockdown and discovered Red Dead Redemption 2.
The game's narrative depth and aesthetic beauty, alongside its themes of death and isolation, resonated with him.

INSIGHT

Existential Themes

Red Dead Redemption 2 explores existential themes through its immersive story.
The game delves into nostalgia, freedom, choice, consequences, and the nature of death.

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Being and Nothingness

Jean-Paul Sartre

In 'Being and Nothingness,' Jean-Paul Sartre delves into the fundamental categories of being and nothingness. He distinguishes between 'being-in-itself' (objects that simply exist and are unaware of themselves) and 'being-for-itself' (human consciousness, which is self-aware and free). Sartre argues that human beings are characterized by their freedom and responsibility, and that they must create their own being through their actions in the world. The book also introduces the concept of 'being-for-others,' highlighting the impact of others on our self-perception. Sartre rejects traditional notions of a transcendent reality and instead emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and authenticity in human existence[2][3][4].

Either/or

A Fragment of Life

Søren Kierkegaard

In 'Either/Or', Kierkegaard juxtaposes the aesthetic and ethical modes of life through the writings of two imaginary characters, 'A' and 'B'. Part 1, written by 'A', presents the aesthetic man, with essays on topics such as Mozart’s 'Don Giovanni', ancient tragedy, and the famous 'Seducer’s Diary'. Part 2, written by 'B', a middle-aged judge, advocates for an ethical life, emphasizing the importance of commitments like marriage and the development of the inner self. The book is a rich and suggestive exploration of existential choices, though it lacks a clear message, leaving interpretations open to the reader. It also includes a final sermon that highlights the limitations of both worldviews and points towards a religious perspective[2][3][4].

A Very Easy Death

Simone de Beauvoir

Digital Souls

Patrick Stokes

Digital Souls delves into the philosophical implications of death in the digital era, questioning how we should treat the digital legacies of the deceased. It explores themes of identity, grief, and the ethical challenges posed by AI-driven avatars of dead individuals. The book argues for a moral duty towards the digital dead, highlighting the need to protect them from exploitation and abuse.

A Special Way of Being Afraid

Kathy Behrendt

Mimesis as make-believe

Kendall L. Walton

In 'Mimesis as Make-Believe', Kendall Walton presents a comprehensive theory of representation, drawing parallels between children's games of make-believe and various forms of artistic expression. He addresses issues such as the distinction between fiction and nonfiction, the nature of emotional responses to art, and the ontological status of fictional entities. The book provides insights into imagination, dreams, and nonliteral uses of language, offering a nuanced understanding of the representational arts.

The Ethical Demand

K.E. Løgstrup

The Existential in Red Dead Redemption 2

Stokes's Interest in Kierkegaard

Discovering Red Dead Redemption 2

Existential Themes

Resources Related to the Episode

Connect With Patrick Stokes