Attack on Titan has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate plot, complex characters, and profound philosophical themes.
Central to this narrative is Eren Yeager, whose transformation from a passionate, revenge-driven youth to a figure of controversial actions challenges viewers to contemplate the nature of freedom, morality, and destiny.
This article examines Eren Yeager's character arc, analyzing his motivations and actions through philosophical lenses, while integrating citations that both explain and critique his decisions.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}The Evolution of Eren Yeager
Eren Yeager begins as a determined and impulsive individual, driven by a desire to eliminate the Titans threatening humanity.
His unwavering commitment to freedom and justice resonates with audiences, embodying the human spirit's resilience against oppression.
However, as the story progresses, Eren's methods become increasingly extreme, leading to morally ambiguous decisions that spark intense debate among fans and scholars alike.
The Pursuit of Freedom
At its core, Eren's actions stem from a deep yearning for freedom.
This aligns with existentialist philosophy, which emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility.
Jean-Paul Sartre famously stated, "Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does."
Eren embodies this existential struggle, taking responsibility for his people's fate and making choices he believes are necessary for their liberation.
"Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you." – Jean-Paul Sartre
Eren's relentless pursuit of freedom mirrors Sartre's idea that individuals define their essence through actions.
He actively shapes his destiny, refusing to follow the predetermined path set by societal constraints.
The Morality of Ends and Means
Eren's journey raises critical questions about the morality of his methods.
As his actions become more ruthless, the ethical implications come under scrutiny, reflecting the debate between consequentialism and deontological ethics.
Consequentialism vs. Deontology
Consequentialism posits that the morality of an action is determined by its outcomes.
Eren might justify his extreme measures by the end goal of securing freedom for his people.
Deontological Ethics, championed by Immanuel Kant, argues that actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of their consequences.
Eren's willingness to sacrifice innocent lives for what he perceives as a greater good aligns with consequentialist thinking but conflicts with deontological principles that prioritize moral rules over outcomes.
"Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, and never merely as a means." – Immanuel Kant
Kant's statement challenges Eren's justification, suggesting that regardless of the desired outcome, methods must adhere to moral imperatives that respect the inherent dignity of all individuals.
Philosophical Perspectives on Eren’s Actions
Eren Yeager's actions in Attack on Titan reveal humanity's ongoing struggle with morality, power, and freedom.
His journey, marked by ethical dilemmas, invites reflection on the philosophical principles shaping his motivations and actions.
By examining Eren's choices through various philosophical lenses, we gain a deeper understanding of his character and the moral challenges he faces.
Nietzschean Influence: The Will to Power
Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the "will to power" underpins Eren's relentless drive to assert his agency against overwhelming odds.
Nietzsche believed that the fundamental driving force in humans is the pursuit of power and dominance.
"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." – Friedrich Nietzsche
Eren's unwavering "why"—the liberation of his people—drives him to endure and carry out extreme "hows," portraying him as a Nietzschean hero embracing his power to reshape the world.
Machiavellian Realism: Pragmatic Governance
Niccolò Machiavelli's ideas about power dynamics and realpolitik resonate with Eren's strategic actions.
Machiavelli advocated for pragmatic and sometimes ruthless measures to maintain stability and power.
"The ends justify the means." – Niccolò Machiavelli
This principle can rationalize Eren's actions, suggesting that his harsh methods are justified by the ultimate goal of securing freedom and survival for his people.
Utilitarianism: Maximizing Overall Good
John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism emphasizes actions that maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering.
Eren's actions can be viewed through this lens as attempts to create a better future for his people, even if it involves significant short-term suffering.
"Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness." – John Stuart Mill
From a utilitarian perspective, Eren's willingness to endure and inflict suffering might be justified if the long-term benefits for humanity outweigh the immediate costs.
Contrasting Views on Violence
While Isaac Asimov stated, "Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent," arguing against the use of violence, other thinkers provide a different viewpoint.
Argala emphasized that condemning all forms of popular violence overlooks its defensive nature against institutionalized oppression.
Similarly, Frantz Fanon and Che Guevara argued that violence can be a necessary response to dismantle oppressive systems and achieve genuine freedom.
"Condemning any type of popular violence is a brutal foolishness and a clear sign of incapacity to move beyond the ideological perspectives of the exploiting class. People do not practice violence out of desire but driven by the urgent need to acquire a human right: the right to freedom in social relations." – Argala (paraphrased)
This perspective suggests that Eren's actions, though extreme, may be seen as a defensive measure against systemic oppression, raising ethical questions about the legitimacy of such actions in the pursuit of freedom.
Eren Yeager and the Ethics of Genocide
A pivotal aspect of Eren Yeager's transformation is his involvement in acts that can be construed as genocide.
Understanding Eren's actions within this framework is essential to comprehending his moral and ethical decline.
Defining Genocide
Genocide, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948), refers to acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
This includes killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to bring about the group's destruction.
Eren's Actions: A Genocidal Analysis
Eren's decision to unleash the Rumbling—a catastrophic event resulting in the mass destruction of humanity outside the walls—aligns with the definition of genocide.
His intent is clear: to annihilate the perceived threat to his people, the Eldians, thereby ensuring their survival and freedom.
"Genocide is not only a crime against individuals but a crime against humanity." – Raphael Lemkin
From this perspective, Eren's actions can be seen as a systematic attempt to eradicate a large portion of humanity, categorizing his methods within the realm of genocidal acts.
Moral and Ethical Implications
Eren's genocidal actions raise profound ethical questions about justifying extreme measures in the name of survival and freedom.
While some argue that violence is a necessary response to systemic oppression, others, following Kantian and utilitarian ethics, vehemently oppose such actions regardless of the intended outcomes.
Historical Parallels
Eren's actions mirror historical instances of genocide, such as the Holocaust, the Armenian Genocide, and the Rwandan Genocide.
These events are characterized by the systematic and intentional attempt to destroy specific groups, often justified by distorted ideologies or perceived existential threats.
"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." – George Santayana
Eren's genocidal actions serve as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences that arise when power is wielded without ethical restraint, highlighting the importance of remembering and learning from history to prevent such atrocities.
The Psychological Toll of Genocide
Engaging in or perpetrating genocide has profound psychological effects on individuals and societies.
Eren's transformation into someone who commits or endorses such acts suggests a deep internal conflict and moral disintegration.
"The greatest evil is not now done in those sordid dens of crime that Dickens loved to paint. It is not even done in concentration camps and labor camps. In those we see its final result. But it is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried, and minuted) in clean, carpeted, warmed, and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voices." – C.S. Lewis
This insight underscores the unsettling reality that genocidal actions often stem from calculated, rational decisions rather than overt malevolence, reflecting Eren's own descent into morally questionable territory through seemingly rational justifications.
Impact on Other Characters and the Story Arc
Eren's actions significantly influence the development of other characters and the overall narrative of Attack on Titan.
His transformation challenges those around him to reassess their beliefs and moral standings.
The Transformation of Mikasa and Armin
Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, Eren's closest friends, serve as moral anchors in his life.
Eren's drastic actions force them to confront their own ethical boundaries and question their loyalty.
"The measure of a man is what he does with power." – Plato
Mikasa and Armin's responses to Eren's choices reflect their own philosophical beliefs about power, responsibility, and morality, adding depth to the narrative.
The Cycle of Hatred and Revenge
Eren's actions perpetuate the cycle of hatred and revenge, a theme explored through his interactions with other characters and factions.
This cycle raises questions about the possibility of breaking free from historical grudges and fostering genuine reconciliation.
"Hatred is the coward's revenge for being intimidated." – George Bernard Shaw
Shaw's insight highlights the futility of Eren's pursuit of revenge, suggesting that true strength lies in overcoming hatred rather than succumbing to it.
Ethical Dilemmas: Case Studies
Examining specific scenarios from Attack on Titan highlights the ethical complexities of Eren's decisions, showing the tensions between different moral philosophies and their real-world relevance.
The Fall of Shiganshina District
Eren's role in the fall of Shiganshina District, where he unleashes the Rumbling—a catastrophic event resulting in mass destruction—presents a significant ethical dilemma.
This act, intended to deter future threats, results in immense loss of life and raises questions about preemptive violence.
"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent." – Isaac Asimov
Asimov's statement challenges the effectiveness and morality of Eren's violent approach, advocating for more intelligent and humane solutions to conflict.
Conversely, some theorists argue that violence can be a legitimate response to systemic oppression.
Argala emphasized that condemning all forms of popular violence overlooks its defensive nature against institutionalized oppression.
Similarly, Frantz Fanon and Che Guevara argued that violence can be necessary to dismantle oppressive systems and achieve genuine freedom.
The Betrayal of Friends
Eren's decision to betray former allies in pursuit of his goals exemplifies the conflict between personal loyalty and perceived duty to the greater good.
This betrayal forces viewers to consider the limits of loyalty when faced with moral imperatives.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." – Edmund Burke
Burke's quote prompts reflection on whether Eren's actions are a form of necessary evil to prevent greater harm or a failure to uphold moral integrity.
Future Implications: Lessons for the Real World
Eren Yeager's journey offers valuable lessons applicable to real-world struggles for freedom and justice.
His story serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of an uncompromising pursuit of ideals and the ethical boundaries that must be navigated.
The Balance of Power and Ethics
Eren's actions highlight the delicate balance between wielding power for noble causes and adhering to ethical standards.
This balance is crucial in real-world leadership and activism, where the temptation to use any means to achieve goals can lead to moral degradation.
"With great power comes great responsibility." – Voltaire (popularized by Spider-Man)
This saying underscores the necessity of maintaining ethical integrity when in positions of power, a lesson mirrored in Eren's trajectory.
The Importance of Moral Reflection
Eren's transformation emphasizes the need for continuous moral reflection and self-awareness in the pursuit of justice.
It serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned actions can have unintended and harmful consequences.
"Know thyself." – Socrates
Socrates' advice encourages introspection, urging individuals to assess their motivations and the ethical implications of their actions—a process Eren struggles to fully embrace.
The Duality of Eren Yeager
Eren Yeager embodies the complexity of human nature, where noble intentions can lead to morally ambiguous actions.
His character challenges viewers to navigate the fine line between heroism and villainy, prompting introspection on what it truly means to fight for freedom and the associated costs.
The Tragic Hero
Eren can be seen as a tragic hero in the classical sense, possessing a noble cause but flawed by hubris or a fatal flaw—his uncompromising determination.
This archetype underscores the inherent tragedy in striving for a seemingly unattainable ideal.
"A man can be destroyed but not defeated." – Ernest Hemingway
Eren's relentless pursuit, despite the personal and ethical costs, reflects the essence of the tragic hero—driven to their limits by forces beyond their control.
The Reflection of Humanity’s Struggle
Eren's character serves as a mirror to humanity's ongoing struggle with moral dilemmas, power, and the quest for freedom.
His journey captures the universal conflict between doing what is right and what is easy, illustrating the perpetual tension inherent in the human condition.
"Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is." – Albert Camus
Camus' observation resonates with Eren's defiance against his perceived destiny, highlighting the existential struggle to define oneself against external pressures and inherent nature.
Conclusion
Eren Yeager's journey in Attack on Titan offers a profound exploration of philosophical questions about freedom, morality, and the human condition.
By examining his actions through existentialism, Nietzschean philosophy, Kantian ethics, and more, we gain a deeper understanding of his motivations and the ethical dilemmas he faces.
The inclusion of genocide in this analysis underscores the extreme moral compromises Eren makes in his quest for freedom, highlighting the dangers of power unchecked by ethical considerations.
Eren's complexity invites viewers to reflect on their own values and the often-painful choices required in the pursuit of a just and free society.
His story is not just about struggle and survival but also a philosophical inquiry into the essence of humanity, power, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
In the end, Eren Yeager challenges us to consider where we draw the line in our quest for what we believe is right, serving as a powerful reminder of the thin line separating heroism from villainy and the ethical boundaries that define our humanity.
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