Star Wars and Philosophy

Introduction
In this study you explore the world view of George Lucass Star Wars series, one of the most inuential contemporary lms. Examining the philosophies
presented by George Lucas, you will sharpen and develop your own critical analysis skills.
Inevitably, as a Christian, you will be challenged to analyze the world
views of individuals and institutions around you. Being inextricably tied to your
culture does not mean you cant be in this culture but not of this culture. To do
this you must learn to articulate and defend your own world view against all sorts
of assaults. This study guide will help you pause and analyze several persuasive
world views in Star Wars.
First, though, what exactly is a world view? A world view is a way that
a person understands, relates to, and responds from a philosophical position that
he embraces as his own. It is a framework that ties everything together, that allows us to understand society, the world, and our place in it. This sort of paradigm helps us to make critical decisions that will shape our future.
In the rst Star Wars movie Episode IV (1977), for instance, Luke Skywalker clearly values a Judeo-Christian
code of ethics. That does not mean that he is a believing Christian (indeed he is not) but he does uphold and ght
for a moral world. Darth Vader, on the other hand, represents chaos and amoral behavior. In that sense he is a naturalistic character. He does whatever it takes to advance the Emperors agenda, regardless of whom he hurts or what
rule he breaks.
Using the language employed by most cultural historians: theism, deism, romanticism, realism, naturalism,
existentialism/ absurdism, you will identify where Star Wars illustrates these paradigms. Lets begin...

Fathers of Philosophy
From Greek history we know that there are basically two world view
roots: lone originated with Aristotle who argued that the empirical world is
primary. Thus, if one wants to advance knowledge one has to learn more
about the world. Another root originated with Plato who argued that the unseen world is primary. In Platos case, that meant that if one wished to understand the world he studied the gods.
Both Plato and Aristotle were impacted by Socrates. Socrates was
one of the most important but mysterious gures in Western philosophy. He
wrote nothing, yet he had a profound inuence on someone who did: Plato.
Plato carefully recorded most of his dialogues.
Unlike earlier philosophers, Socrates main concern was with ethics.
There was nothing remotely pragmatic about Socrates who was the consummate idealist. Until his day, philosophers invested most of their time explaining the natural world. In fact, the natural world often intruded into the
Plato and Aristotle
abstract world of ideas and reality. Socrates kept both worlds completely separate.
Raphaels School of Athens
To Socrates, the natural laws governing the rotation of the earth were
merely uninteresting speculation of no earthly good. Socrates was more interested in such meaty concepts as virtue
and justice.

Socrates believed that ethics, specically virtue, must be learned and practiced like any trade. One was not
born virtuous; one developed virtue as he would a good habit. It could be practiced only by experts. There was,
then, nothing pragmatic about the pursuit of virtue. It was systematic; it was intentional. Virtue was acquired and
maintained by open and free dialogue. For the rst time, the importance of human language was advanced by a
philosopher. For example the Socratic dialogue, debate, rhetoric, and discussion--all language based-- were the
philosophers choice of pedagogy.
Plato, like Socrates, regarded ethics as the highest branch of knowledge. Plato stressed the intellectual basis
of virtue, identifying virtue with wisdom. Plato believed that the world was made of forms (such as, a rock) and ideas
(such as, virtue). The ability of human beings to appreciate forms made a person virtuous. Knowledge came from
the gods; opinion was from man. Virtuous activity, then, was dependent upon knowledge of the forms.
To Plato, knowledge and virtue were inseparable. To Aristotle, they were unconnected. Aristotle was not
on a search for absolute truth. He was not even certain it existed. Truth, beauty, and goodness were to be observed
and quantied from human behavior and the senses but they were not the legal tender of the land. Goodness in
particular was not an absolute and in Aristotles opinion it was much abused. Goodness was an average between
two absolutes.
Aristotle said that mankind should strike a balance between
passion and temperance, between extremes of all sorts. He said
that good people should seek the Golden Mean dened as a
course of life that was never extreme.
Finally, while Plato argued that reality lay in knowledge of the
gods, Aristotle argued that reality lay in empirical, measurable
knowledge. To Aristotle, reality was tied to purpose and to action. For these reasons, Aristotle, became known as the father
of modern science.
Aristotle said, All men by nature desire to know and it is by
the senses that the gods were knownor not. Faith had nothing
to do with it. In other words, Aristotle, for the rst time, disFibonacci Spiral
cussed the gods as if they were quantied entities. He spoke
about them as if they were not present. The Hebrews had done this earlier (Genesis 3) but Aristotle was probably
not aware of Moses text.
While Christian thinkers such as Augustine and Aquinas employed Aristotelian logic in their discussions about
God, they never speculated about His existence as Aristotle did. They used Aristotles techniques only to understand
more about God.

Foundations of Major World Views

From Aristotle vs. Plato a panoply of world views evolved in four
main epochs. The following are characteristics of each epoch:
Classical Theism

Pernicious gods involved in human affairs

Christian Theism

Loving God involved in human affairs

Modernism

Faith in science

Post-Modernism

Faith in experience; suspicious of science

Within these epochs are the following world views:

R o m a n t ic is m

Deis

Na tur ali sm

Theism

Absurdis

Re a l is m

lism
a
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n
e
t
s
i
x
E

Contemporary World Views

Life is what happens to you when youre busy making other plans. Yoko Ono
y Charles
know why we are here.Ra
If we had no other purpose in life,

e!
it would be good enough simply to
will com
n
io
t
a
r
e
lib
goose people once in a while.
Animal Ingrid Newkirk
Garrison Keillor
I dont think any of us really

The meaning of life is felt through relationship. Jonas Salk

To fulfill the purpose of life is to ignite the spark

of divinity in us and give meaning to our lives.
Michael Jackson

Seven Major World Views

Here is a short sketch of the seven major world views with examples:

1.

Theism: God is personally involved with humankind. Theism argues that

the universe is a purposive, divinely created entity. A special form of Theism,
Christian Theism, argues that all human life is sacred and all persons are of
equal dignity. They are, in other words, created in the image of God. History
is linear and moves toward a nal goal. Nature is controlled by God and is
an orderly system. Humanity is neither the center of nature nor the universe, but are the steward of creation. Righteousness will triumph in a decisive conquest of evil. Earthly life does not exhaust human existence but
looks ahead to the resurrection of the dead and to a nal, comprehensive
judgment of humanity (adapted from Carl F. H. Henry, Toward a Recovery
of Christian Belief). This is the only viable world view until the Renaissance.

Deism: God was present, but is no longer present. The world is like a clock
wound up by God many years ago but He is now absent. The clock (i.e., the
world) is present; God is absent. Still, though, Deism embraced a
Judeo-Christian morality. Gods absence, for instance, in no way mitigated
His importance to original creation. He was also omnipotent, but not
omniscient. His absence was His decision. He was in no way forced to be
absent from the world. He chose to assume that role so that Socratic
empiricism and rationalism could reign as sovereign king.

3.

2.

Romanticism: Once people distanced themselves from the self-revealing

God of the Old and New Testaments, they could not resist making further
concessions to subjectivity. Romanticism, and its American version,
Transcendentalism, posited that God was nature and it was good. The
more natural things were, the better. Nature was inherently good. Nature
alone was the ultimate reality. In other words, nature was the Romantic
god. Man was essentially a complex animal, too complex to be controlled
by absolute, codied truth (as one would nd in the Bible). Human intuition
replaced the Holy Spirit. Depending upon the demands on individual lives,
truth and good were relative and changing. Romanticism, however, like
Deism, had not completely abandoned Judeo-Christian morality. Truth and
the good, although changing, were nonetheless relatively durable.

Naturalism: If God exists, He is pretty wimpish. Only the laws of nature have
any force. God is either uninterested or downright mean. All reality was
reducible to impersonal processes and energy events (Carl F. H. Henry). All
life, including human life, was transient. Its nal destination was death.
Truth and good, therefore, were also transient. They were cultureconditioned distinctions that the human race projected upon the cosmos
and upon history (Carl F. H. Henry). This maturation, as it were, of the
human race, necessitated a deliberate rejection of all transcendentally nal
authority.

5.

Realism: Akin to Naturalism is Realism. Reality is, to a Realist, a world with

no purpose, no meaning, no order. Realism insists that personality has no
ultimate status in the universe, but is logically inconsistent when it arms
an ethically imperative social agenda congruent with universal human rights
and dignity. Realism, then, throws around terms like dignity and human
rights and power. What Realists mean, however, is that these concepts
are real when they fulll a social agenda that enhances human dominance
over the universal. Thus, Realism believes in a world where bad things
happen all the time to good people. Why not? There is no God, no
ontological controlling force for good. The world is a place where the only
reality is that which we can experience, but it must be experience that we
can measure or replicate. Certainly pain and misery t that category. If an
experience is a unique occurrence (Example: a miracle) it is not real.

Absurdism: A modern movement where there is neither a god, nor any

reason to have one. Everything is disorganized, anarchy rules. There is a
compete abandonment of explaining the cosmos and therefore an
abandonment of being in relationship with the deity. It is not that Absurdists
are unsure about who creates everything, or is in control of everything,
Absurdists simply do not care one way or the other.

7.

4.

6.

Existentialism: The submergence of God in overwhelming data and in

experience is the rst step toward putting God out to die. Truth is open to
debate. Everything is relative. A very pessimistic view. The subjective is
more real than the objective. The individual and his desires are paramount
in all discussions. Gone are any serious dialogues about virtue. Virtue is
nothing more than the projected needs of an individual on society.

Study Guide: Critical Thinking Questions

Background
Overview:

1. Many cultural historians describe the rst 3 Star Wars movies as modern and the last 3 as post-modern. Agree
or disagree.
2. In general terms, describe 3-4 Christian motifs in the entire 6 movie series.
3. One theological weakness of this movie series is its presentation of evil. In other words, the problem of evil
is a dualistic problem. Why is this contrary to orthodox Christian views of evil?

Part I
May the Force be with you.
The Philosophical message of Star Wars

1) Freedom and Predestination in the Skywalker Family, by Jason Eberl:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay by Jason T. Eberl, Freedom and Predestination in the Skywalker Family.
2. The whole notion of predestination is tied to the character of the omniscient force who knows and predestines everything. Compare this force with the Judeo-Christian God.
3. Some viewers are sympathetic with Darth Vader because he seems to have no choice but to embrace the Dark
Side. You dont know the power of the Dark Side, Vader pleads with his son Luke, I must obey my master . . .
it is too late for me, son. Do you agree with Vader? Is it too late for him (p.11)?
4. Agree or disagree with this statement by Eberl, It is Anakins desire to control things that are ultimately outside
of his control, in deance of the natural order of the universe established by the will of the force, which leads to
his moral downfall (pp. 13-14).

2) Stoicism in the Stars, by William O. Stephens:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay by William Stephens, Stoicism in the Stars: Yoda, the Emperor, and the
Force?
2. How can Yoda and the Emperor be so devoted to contrary sides of the force (p. 17)?
3. Why does Lucas introduce the Yoda as a jester and Vader as a mighty warrior (pp. 17-18)?
4. What is the logic of the Dark Side (pp. 24)?

3) The Far East of Star Wars, by Walter Robinson:

1.

What is the central thesis of the essay by Walter Robinson, The Far East of Star Wars?

2. If one accepts Robinsons thesis that Lucas is presenting, if not promoting, eastern religions, should Christians,
then, watch the movies? Why or why not?

4)Moral Ambiguity in a Black-and-White Universe, by Richard Dees:

1.

What is the central thesis of the essay by Richard H. Dees, Moral Ambiguity in a Black-and-White Universe?

2.

In what ways do Anakin Skywalker and Count Dooku present moral ambiguity (pp. 39)?

3.

Dees calls Lando Calrissian a utilitarian. What does he mean (pp. 43)?

4.

Agree or disagree with Dees nal paragraph (p. 53).

Part II
Try Not-Do or Do Not.
Ethics in a Galaxy, Far, Far Away

5) The Aspiring Jedis Handbook of Virtue, by Judith Barad:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay by Judith Barad, The Aspiring Jedis Handbook of Virtue?
2. How should a Jedi Knight handle anger (p. 61)?
3. Discuss Barads views of Jedi Knight training (pp. 58).
4. Does George Lucas believe in original sin (p. 63)? Why or why not?
5. Discuss Anakins view of love and why it is dierent from the biblical understanding of love (pp. 64f).

6) Star Wars and the Problem of Evil, by Christopher Brown:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay A Wretched Hive of Scum and Villainy: Star Wars and the Problem of
Evil by Christopher M. Brown?
2. If goodness is more powerful than evil, why is there so much evil in the world? Could it be that evil is actually
stronger (p. 69)? What is the Star Wars response to this question? What is the biblical response to this question?
3. George Lucas fervently believes that a higher-power or force rules the universe but how does his metaphysical
vision dier from the biblical witness?

7) Environmental Ethics in Star Wars, by Elizabeth Cooke:

1. What is the central thesis of Be Mindful of the Living Force: Environmental Ethics, in Star Wars, by Elizabeth
Cooke?
2. Discuss how George Lucas advances the Romantic world view agenda.

8) The Ethics of Future Wars, by Richard Handley:

1. What is the central thesis of Send in the Clones: The Ethics of Future Wars, by Richard Handley?
2. Why are clones the most satisfying warrior solution to the oundering Republic (pp. 103)?

Part III
Dont Call Me a
Mindless Philospoher.
Alien Technologies and the Metaphysics of The Force

9)Heidegger and the Philosophy of Technology in Star Wars, by Jerold J.

Abrams:
1. What is the central thesis of A Technological Galaxy: Heidegger and the Philosophy of Technology in Star
Wars, by Jerold J. Abrams?
2. Why is the lightsaber the perfect Star Wars weapon (p. 111)?
3. At one point, while speaking to his father, Darth Vader, Luke says, Ive got to save you. Vader responds, You
already have. What does Vader mean (p. 119)?

10) Droids as Slaves and Persons, by Robert Arp:

1. What is the central thesis of If Droids Could Think . . .: Droids as Slaves and Persons, by Robert Arp?
2. In what sense are Artoo and Threepio more human than humans (p. 130)?

11) The Force as the Casual Power of the Jedi, by Jan-Erik Jones:
1. What is the central thesis of Size Matters Not: The Force as the Casual Power of the Jedi, by Jan-Erik Jones?
2. The Force is described in two diferent ways. What are they and how do they dier from the biblical picture of
the Christian God?

12) Hegels Philosophy of Spirit Strikes Back at the Empire,by James

Lawler:
1. What is the central thesis of The Force is with Us: Hegels Philosophy of Spirit Strikes Back at the Empire,
by James Lawler?
2. Lawler further argues that Hans Solo and Luke Skywalker are two dierent kinds of heroes. What does he
mean?

Part IV
Theres Always a Bigger Fish.
Truth, Faith, and a Galactic Society

13)Star Wars and the Hegelian Struggle for Recognition, by Brian K.

Cameron:
1. What is the central thesis of What is Thy Bidding My Master?: Star Wars and the Hegelian Struggle for Recognition, by Brian K. Cameron?

14)Tyranny, Democracy, Republic, and Empire, by Kevin S. Decker:

1. What is the central thesis of By Any Means Necessary: Tyranny, Democracy, Republic, and Empire, by Kevin
S. Decker?
2. What point does Decker make about Palpatines legacy (p. 179)?

15) Flesh and Machine in Aristotle and The Empire Strikes Back, by Jerome
Donnelly:
1. What is the central thesis of Humanizing Technology: Flesh and Machine in Aristotle and The Empire Strikes
Back, by Jerome Donnelly?

16) Lying Jedi, Honest Sith, and the Viewers Who Love Them, by Shanti
Fader:
1. What is the central thesis of A Certain Point of View: Lying Jedi, Honest Sith, and the Viewers Who Love
Them,by Shanti Fader?
2. Discuss the dilemma which the Jedi face in Attack of the Clones.

17) Religious Pragmatism through the Eyes of Luke Skywalker, by Joseph

W. Long:
1. What is the central thesis of Religious Pragmatism through the Eyes of Luke Skywalker, by Joseph W. Long?
2. Faith is not always advisable, Long argues. What does he mean?
3. At the end of his argument Long argues that faith is also important in our own [world]. As a college teacher
I have learned the value of faith in the classroom . . . p. 210. Long sees faith as an armation that Good ultimately overcomes Evil. It is a dream. He uses Martin Luther King as an example. While the Christian agrees
that one should be optimistic, and to have dreams, he would hardly call this faith. Explain.

Study Guide: Answers

Overview:

Background

1. Many cultural historians describe the rst 3 Star Wars movies as modern and the last 3 as post-modern. Agree
or disagree.
Modernism is a movement that celebrates progress, certainty, and rationalism. Modernism believes in
science. Post-modernism is skeptical toward the science of Modernism, especially the ideas of progress, objectivity, reason, certainty. Post-modernism extols the individual. It is anti-science. There is a moral universe
in Modernism. Morality is a subjective reality--good if it is good for me, even if it is bad for you-in Post-Modernism! Thus, in the rst 3 movies evil is clearly evil; good is clearly good. Morality is based on an external,
objective source (e.g., the Force). Machines are benevolent in Modernism; machines are far more malevolent
in Post-modernism. The moral certainty that existed in Episodes IV-VI disappears in Episodes I-III.

Modernism

Post-Modernism

Science is the key to overcoming all social problems.

Celebration of progress, objectivity, reason, and
certainty.
There is a moral universe.

Anti-science
Celebration of subjectivity and the self
Morality is determined by personal desires and
circumstances.

Eposodes IV-VI
(1977-1983)

Eposodes I-III
(1999-2003)

2. In general terms, describe 3-4 Christian motifs in the entire 6 movie series.
Many critics see a lot of Christian overtones in the lm. The anity is denitely striking. Anakin has no father, 'virgin born' like Christ. He is a slave living in a desert hoping some day to set his people free, like Moses.
Jedi Knight Qii-Gon Jinn believes that Anakin is the Promised One (Christ) of prophecy who will recreate balance
in the universe. He proclaims his belief in Anakin as John the Baptist did of Christ. Anakin has a unique connection to the Force, as Jesus did to the Holy Spirit. In the nal episode, Luke is dressed in what basically looks like
a priest's uniform (notched collar and all). And during the nal battle, the Emperor constantly exults whenever
Luke is moved to anger and self righteousness ("Good! Your hate has made you powerful!" and so on). Plus,
there is the part in The Empire Strikes Back when Luke is meditating and able to see the future. He sees his
friends in pain but Yoda advises him against rushing to their aid: "If you go now, help them you could, but then
you would destroy all for which they have fought and suered." The notion that suering can result in ultimate
good in denitely a Christian outlook. In one scene, Anakin stands before the Jedi council, "as Jesus did before
the temple priests" and hears words that are very similar Matthew 11: 3, "Are you the one who is to come, or
are we to wait for another?" (http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/phantom_menace.htm)
3. One theological weakness of this movie series is its presentation of evil. In other words, the problem of evil is
a dualistic problem. Why is this contrary to orthodox Christian views of evil?
In dualism, good and evil are battling to win a cosmic contest. In Star Wars, the Force is no stronger than
the dark side. The Jedi Knights and the Sith Lords are equally strong. Indeed, the evil Emperor (in the Star
Wars myth the Emperor would t the Satan role) appears to be most powerful. However, in orthodox, Christianity, God is innitely more powerful than Satan. God and Satan are not equally ghting for the soul of
mankind- God is omnipotent; Satan is not. Our Lord Jesus Christ conquered death and sin for the believer!

Part I
May the Force be with you.
The Philosophical message of Star Wars

1) Freedom and Predestination in the Skywalker Family, by Jason Eberl:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay by Jason T. Eberl, Freedom and Predestination in the Skywalker Family.
Using Qui-Gons words He is the chosen one in The Phantom Menace, Eberl discusses the who issue of
freedom vs. predestination. While Eberl oers no clear answer to this question, he does conclude In our own
lives its important to ask which forces are attempting to bend our will (p. 15).
2. The whole notion of predestination is tied to the character of the omniscient force who knows and predestines everything. Compare this force with the Judeo-Christian God.
While the force is nameless and purposeless, our God is personally involved in the aairs of mankind. After
all, God send His only begotten Son to die for mankinds sins
3. Some viewers are sympathetic with Darth Vader because he seems to have no choice but to embrace the Dark
Side. You dont know the power of the Dark Side, Vader pleads with his son Luke, I must obey my master . . .
it is too late for me, son. Do you agree with Vader? Is it too late for him (p.11)?
In our world, a person always has a choice- to embrace life or to embrace death, to choose life or to choose
death. In the case of Vader, in his own universe, perhaps it is too late. Perhaps he cannot be redeemed. In our
world, redemption is always possible.
4. Agree or disagree with this statement by Eberl, It is Anakins desire to control things that are ultimately outside
of his control, in deance of the natural order of the universe established by the will of the force, which leads to
his moral downfall (pp. 13-14).
The notion that Anakins moral failures are related to outside circumstances or the will of the force is
untrue. On one hand, all unredeemed people are prone to sin and, on the other hand, the notion that a force
is malevolent is fatalistic in the extreme. The God we serve desires that none should perish!

2) Stoicism in the Stars, by William O. Stephens:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay by William Stephens, Stoicism in the Stars: Yoda, the Emperor, and the
Force?
The Stoics thought of philosophy not as an interesting pastime but as a way of life. They believed that
once people came to know what the world around them was really like, and especially the nature of value,
they were utterly transformed. In that sense, many characters t this mold. In eect, Stoics tried to live in
harmony with the universe (or the force).
2. How can Yoda and the Emperor be so devoted to contrary sides of the force (p. 17)?
The force manifests both a good and a bad (or dark) side. Each individual must choose to embrace and
then to live in the shadow of one or the other side.
3. Why does Lucas introduce the Yoda as a jester and Vader as a mighty warrior (pp. 17-18)?
Lucas wants to surprise his reader when the true characteristics of these characters become known later
in the lm series. Thus, Yoda appears silly, even impotent, but in fact he is the most gifted of the Jedi. Vader,
on the other hand, appears to be invulnerable, but he is full of aws and vulnerability
4. What is the logic of the Dark Side (pp. 24)?
Anger leads to hatred. Hatred leads to aggression. Mastery of others is true power. True power is irresistibly desirable.

3) The Far East of Star Wars, by Walter Robinson:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay by Walter Robinson, The Far East of Star Wars?
Robinson argues that Lucas uses far more eastern religion motifs than Christian motifs. This is probably
true. Lucas, who generally is lost in the cosmos, and, respectfully, does not understand the metaphysical
world, is constantly evoking dierent spiritual motifs to advance his thematic purposes. For instance, the Jedi
appear to be a cross between a Buddhist monk and a Roman Catholic Benedictine monk.
2. If one accepts Robinsons thesis that Lucas is presenting, if not promoting, eastern religions, should Christians,
then, watch the movies? Why or why not?
Answers will vary. This is a knotty question. in an era when Christians are nding themselves increasingly
isolated from unbelieving America, to nd a movie to watch, a book to read, that other Americans are viewing
and reading, is an opportunity for evangelism.

4)Moral Ambiguity in a Black-and-White Universe, by Richard Dees:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay by Richard H. Dees, Moral Ambiguity in a Black-and-White Universe?
Dees argues that many good characters make immoral decisions and bad characters make moral decisions.
This is particularly true in the last three Star Wars movies made after 2000. These are post-modern movies
where the subjective is paramount.
2. In what ways do Anakin Skywalker and Count Dooku present moral ambiguity (pp. 39)?
Both are good-hearted characters who were turned to the dark side by circumstances. The viewer is invited
to exhibit sympathy to these characters. Lucas feels that they deserve empathy because their external environment forced them into making bad choices. Right and wrong to Lucas is not determined by an objective
external source; it is determined by human events and mitigating factors. Therefore, Anakin and Dooku are
not perpetrators of bad choices but they are victims of unfortunate incidents.
3. Dees calls Lando Calrissian a utilitarian. What does he mean (pp. 43)?
Lando is the quintessential businessman who ultimately chooses good business alternatives over laudable
moral choices. This is not true in the last episodes of the last three trilogies, where he seems to act in a more
moral way.
4. Agree or disagree with Dees nal paragraph (p. 53).
The universe is not composed of moral ambiguity. The Word of God clearly states what is right and
wrong, what is good and bad. This moral code is entirely outside the experience of mankind.

Part II
Try Not-Do or Do Not.
Ethics in a Galaxy, Far, Far Away

5) The Aspiring Jedis Handbook of Virtue, by Judith Barad:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay by Judith Barad, The Aspiring Jedis Handbook of Virtue?
Barad outlines the process of becoming a Jedi Knight. First, the disciple must undergo rigorous training.
Second, the disciple learns balance so that he can control the world around him. Next, one identies ones
deepest fear and then one faces it. Finally, the Jedi novitiate learns how to reect or to meditate. In short,
Barad uses Greek philosophy, especially as it appears in Platos Republic to illustrate his point.
2. How should a Jedi Knight handle anger (p. 61)?
Anger leads to the dark side. So, a Jedi clearly should avoid anger. In fact, the Jedi karma or equilibrium
is maintained by avoiding all excessive emotion. In that sense, the perfect Jedi demeanor is one that embraces
a sort of stoicism.
3. Discuss Barads views of Jedi Knight training (pp. 58).
Jedi Knight training teaches the young Jedi knight physical, mental, and spiritual self-control. It is critical
to the young Jedi to learn these principles if he is to be eective.

4. Does George Lucas believe in original sin (p. 63)? Why or why not?
No, he most certainly does not. He believes sin is a result of circumstances. George Lucas is a theist. He
believes that there is good and evil. However, like most modernists, Lucas believes mankind is basically good.
He is corrupted by other people or by circumstances. The transformation of Anakin into Darth Vader is a perfect
example of Lucas view of sin. Anakin is the victim of circumstances, not responsible for his own decisionmaking. The viewer is invited to feel sympathy toward a very evil Anakin.
5. Discuss Anakins view of love and why it is dierent from the biblical understanding of love (pp. 64f).
Anakin describes his love as a form of unconditional love but his love is a cross between severe egotism
and sensual eroticism. Like most Post-moderns, Anakin is constantly going through an identity crisis. The
viewer is invited to join him in his conundrums. Anakin acts out of a perceived injury not out of unselsh, unconditional love. 1 Corinthians 13 states that love has nothing to do with the state of mind of the lover nor
the worthiness of the loved one.

6) Star Wars and the Problem of Evil, by Christopher Brown:

1. What is the central thesis of the essay A Wretched Hive of Scum and Villainy: Star Wars and the Problem of
Evil by Christopher M. Brown?
Lucas argues that Evil is indeed as powerful as Good. Therefore, Lucas is willing to concede that there is
Good and Evil, and that Good will ultimately overcome Evil. In the present Evil may engender havoc. This inevitably weakens the power of a positive, omniscient force in the universe. The biblical answer to evil is twofold:
Jesus Christ overcame evil by His death on the cross and the Christian knows that someday every knee shall
bow and every tongue shall confess that Good will overcome Evil.
2. If goodness is more powerful than evil, why is there so much evil in the world? Could it be that evil is actually
stronger (p. 69)? What is the Star Wars response to this question. What is the biblical response to this question?
Lucas believes that evil is stronger but he sees it a malevolent side of the benevolent Force. Christians
know that God is altogether good. If bad things happen to good people it is a result of a fallen world. The
Christian believer rests in the knowledge that all things work for the good of those called according to His
purposes (Romans 8:28).
3. George Lucas fervently believes that an higher-power or force rules the universe but how does his metaphysical
vision dier from the biblical witness?
Lucas force is a nameless, impersonal power that more or less controls the fate of individuals. This is
very dierent from the loving God who is personally involved with human lives.

7) Environmental Ethics in Star Wars, by Elizabeth Cooke:

1. What is the central thesis of Be Mindful of the Living Force: Environmental Ethics, in Star Wars, by Elizabeth
Cooke?
Lucas advances a position called environmental holism that maintains that the good of the whole biotic
community requires recognizing the interdependence of organisms. The problem is that all species and organisms are equal. So a snail is as important as a man. This is a very naturalistic view and is inaccurate.
Mankind, exclusively, is created in the image of God.
2. Discuss how George Lucas advances the Romantic world view agenda.
Lucas naturally admires uncomplicated species. He also believes that complicated human motivation complicates adversely every situation. Both are central to romanticism.

8) The Ethics of Future Wars, by Richard Handley:

1. What is the central thesis of Send in the Clones: The Ethics of Future Wars, by Richard Handley?
Warfare is justied when peaceful, good powers cannot persuade or cajole violent bad powers to turn
around.
2. Why are clones the most satisfying warrior solution to the oundering Republic (pp. 103)?
Post-modern Lucas prefers people (even cloned people) to impersonal machines. Clones are at least people! This is especally true in Episodes I-III. In Episodes IV-VI, which occur in the modern era (which ended
about 1992), machines are benevolent and more human than the humans (e.g., R2D2).

Part III
Dont Call Me a
Mindless Philospoher.
Alien Technologies and the Metaphysics of The Force

9)Heidegger and the Philosophy of Technology in Star Wars, by Jerold J.

Abrams:
1. What is the central thesis of A Technological Galaxy: Heidegger and the Philosophy of Technology in Star
Wars, by Jerold J. Abrams?
Abrams argues that Lucas has a very pessimistic view of history that is akin to the views of philosopher
Martin Heidegger. Heidegger's philosophy refused to recognize concepts such as consciousness, subjectivity,
ego, or other fact-value distinctions, because he saw them as fundamentally immeasurable, indenable and
easily subject to multiple interpretations.
2. Why is the lightsaber the perfect Star Wars weapon (p. 111)?
It is personal, clean, and more or less an extension of the warrior. This greatly appeals to the romantic
Lucas.
3. At one point, while speaking to his father, Darth Vader, Luke says, Ive got to save you. Vader responds, You
already have. What does Vader mean (p. 119)?
Vader is saved because Luke believes that there is goodness in Vader. In other words, the theistic Luke
sees theism in the naturalistic Vader. This saves him.

10) Droids as Slaves and Persons, by Robert Arp:

1. What is the central thesis of If Droids Could Think . . .: Droids as Slaves and Persons, by Robert Arp?
Arp discusses how Lucas creates droids that are really human, too human really. He also says that some
people dont really act like people.
2. In what sense are Artoo and Threepio more human than humans (p. 130)?
These two delightful robots appear more caring and responsible that most characters.

11) The Force as the Casual Power of the Jedi, by Jan-Erik Jones:
1. What is the central thesis of Size Matters Not: The Force as the Casual Power of the Jedi, by Jan-Erik Jones?
Jones says, The reason why the force in Star Wars has such a grip on the viewers imagination is because
it makes us ask the fundamental metaphysical questions that have driven science and philosophy from the beginning; questions about cause and eect, the laws of nature, the possibility of foreknowledge, and the relationship between the mind and the physical world.
2. The Force is described in two diferent ways. What are they and how do they dier from the biblical picture of
the Christian God? Obi-Wan describes it as an omnipresent energy eld createdby all living things that binds
the galaxy together (p. 132). The Force draws its strength from mankind while causing the galazy to stay together, like the law of gravity. Qui-Gon Jinn, on the other hand, the will has a preference or will that somethings
hapen in the world. In other world, the Force is not an it. It is a he or a she. In other words the universe
is controlled by a power that is alive, that has a purpose, or an ontological reason to exist.

12) Hegels Philosophy of Spirit Strikes Back at the Empire,by James

Lawler:
1. What is the central thesis of The Force is with Us: Hegels Philosophy of Spirit Strikes Back at the Empire,
by James Lawler?
Lawler agues that a central thesis of these movies is the epic struggle of the journeying hero. Star Wars
is an unparalleled account of the journey of the hero into the world of darkness as a means of discovery (p.
145).
2. Lawler further argues that Hans Solo and Luke Skywalker are two dierent kinds of heroes. What does he
mean?
Solo is the empiricist who overcomes adversity through science. Luke is the spiritualist who overcomes
adversity through the mystical Force.

Part IV
Theres Always a Bigger Fish.
Truth, Faith, and a Galactic Society

13)Star Wars and the Hegelian Struggle for Recognition, by Brian K.

Cameron:
1. What is the central thesis of What is Thy Bidding My Master?: Star Wars and the Hegelian Struggle for Recognition, by Brian K. Cameron?
Cameron builds on Lawlers thesis but he adds that there is a strong Freudian struggle for recognition.
Hegel is a philosopher who argued that truth and reality arise naturally from a struggle. For example, he
had a great impact on Karl Marx, the father of communism. Marx argued that economic justice will emerge
as the proletariat (working class) struggles with the bourgeois (middle class). In other words, many characters
in Star Wars are in a quest for their abiding identity. Luke Skywalker is searching for himself and nds his
sister and father. Hans Solo, a benevolent pirate, is searching for transcendent meaning in life. He nds it in
Leia. Anakin loses his mom, and himself, and eventually wanders over into the Dark Side. All the characters
are in a struggle for recognition.

14)Tyranny, Democracy, Republic, and Empire, by Kevin S. Decker:

1. What is the central thesis of By Any Means Necessary: Tyranny, Democracy, Republic, and Empire, by Kevin
S. Decker?
Decker discusses how the Star Wars series mirrors the world political, historical trend of tyranny, democracy, republic, and empire.
2. What point does Decker make about Palpatines legacy (p. 179)?
Palpatines rise from democratically-elected Supreme Chancellor to Emperor is a tragic tale of how democracy may be destroyed from within by its own weakness.

15) Flesh and Machine in Aristotle and The Empire Strikes Back, by Jerome
Donnelly:
1. What is the central thesis of Humanizing Technology: Flesh and Machine in Aristotle and The Empire Strikes
Back, by Jerome Donnelly?
Donnelly argues that The Empire Strikes Back gains its energy by making the mechanical and bionic world
more real than the human world. This is a typical naturalistic tendency. For example, in the naturalist novel
Call of the Wild, by Jack London, the dog, Buck, is more human than the humans. Likewise, R2 D2 is more
human than many humans! (See Skills for Literary Analysis, by Dr. Stobaugh, for further discussion)

16) Lying Jedi, Honest Sith, and the Viewers Who Love Them, by Shanti
Fader:
1. What is the central thesis of A Certain Point of View: Lying Jedi, Honest Sith, and the Viewers Who Love
Them,by Shanti Fader?
Fader explains why Lucas good characters often commit immoral acts. He proposes that truth is not so
clear cut.
2. Discuss the dilemma which the Jedi face in Attack of the Clones.
The Jedi nd themselves losing power, and therefore, authority. In order to maintain order in the chaotic
universe, they pretend to be more powerful than they really are (p.195).

17) Religious Pragmatism through the Eyes of Luke Skywalker, by Joseph

W. Long:
1. What is the central thesis of Religious Pragmatism through the Eyes of Luke Skywalker, by Joseph W. Long?
Long argues persuasively that faith is an important theme of Star Wars. The question of when to believe
something and when not to believe is very important in the Star Wars galaxy and in our own (p. 205). Long
explores the important matter of when to believe.
2. Faith is not always advisable, Long argues. What does he mean?
In The Empire Strikes Back Luke has unwarranted faith in his abilities as a Jedi and he loses his hand in a
premature showdown with Darth Vader. There is, Long argues, agreeing with William James, a purpose to
faith or it is not advisable. This would be called pragmatism.
3. At the end of his argument Long argues that faith is also important in our own [world]. As a college teacher
I have learned the value of faith in the classroom . . . p. 210. Long sees faith as an armation that Good ultimately
overcomes Evil. It is a dream. He uses Martin Luther King as an example. While the Christian agrees that one
should be optimistic, and to have dreams, he would hardly call this faith. Explain.
Faith is based in historical truths, not wishful, laudable thinking. Christians have dreams and hope for the
best. However, the basis of the Christian faith is facts and truths not wishful thinking. Like Longs views
of his students, we hope our friends will be kind to us. But we know that Jesus Christ is Lord and that our God
reigns!

Star Wars and Philosophy

Thank You!
If you have enjoyed being challenged by this study to analyze
movies and literature, check our curricula and other products at
www.ForSuchATimeAsThis.com
Jr. High & High School Language Arts Curriculum
Engaging literature through a biblical perspective is the core of For Such A Time As This. With the Language
Arts program (updated in 2010), your students will grow intellectually and spiritually into well-educated Christians
equipped with exceptional reading, writing, and oral skills to communicate Gods truth in all settings. Dr. Stobaugh,
a homeschool father and trained educator, has created this top-of-the-line, 34-week program that guides students
through a whole-book essay-based curriculum. As your students progress from 7th through 12th grade, they develop
essential foundational writing skills (Dialectic Stage) and progress to advanced literary analysis skills (Rhetoric Stage),
all based on the Christian theistic worldview.

High School History Curriculum

In For Such A Time As This History program (updated in 2010), your students will become true history scholars
by comprehensively examining the past in a stimulating manner. The author, Dr. James P. Stobaugh, compels students
to dive into the signicance of history and how it has shaped todays world. This program avoids tedious rote memorization, but instead engages students in profound exploration and rich understanding of historical gures, events,
and times periods. It is specically designed to go hand-in-hand with the Language Arts programs.

Devotionals
A Fire That Burns But Does Not Consume: This devotional takes readers on a year-long journey from the
beginning of western philosophy to present nihilism. Readers will examine a philosopher or a philosophical movement
and, then, they will look at a biblical refutation of the deception or a complement to the truth. A perfect high school
philosophy course.
A Gathered Inheritance: This 52-week devotional examines inuential Christian theologians, challenging
students to examine their spiritual inheritance.

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