Philosophize This! Episode #238 ... Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
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Oct 8, 2025 Dive into the haunting world of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, where Romantic ideals clash with Enlightenment ambitions. Explore the dangers of unchecked scientific innovation as Victor Frankenstein grapples with the consequences of his creation. Discover how isolation breeds resentment in the creature, leading to a chilling cycle of violence and prejudice. Reflect on the moral responsibility of creators and the ethical implications of technology, all while questioning what defines personhood in a world quick to judge. It's a thought-provoking blend of literature and philosophy!
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Young Author, Deep Work
- Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein at 18 and published it anonymously at 20, blending philosophical depth with literary skill.
- The creature is unnamed and articulate in the book, unlike the later Hollywood image.
Arctic Framing Device
- Robert Walton finds Victor Frankenstein near death in the Arctic and prompts Victor to tell his story.
- Walton's expedition frames Frankenstein's tale as a cautionary narrative to prevent similar mistakes.
Secret Creation In The Lab
- Victor studies natural philosophy and assembles a creature from corpses and animal parts in secret at university.
- He brings the creature to life but immediately reacts with horror and abandons it.
