Philosophy of Harry Potter

[outraged2]

These books are so great and operate on so many levels... I am very happy to have ther HP fans to discuss this with. Thanks to all who made it happen. :)

I recently started researching classical philosophical themes in the series, and read a book called "the Wisdom of Harry Potter" which outlines the stoic veins in the series. I am also taking an ethics class this semester so when my teacher mentions something that relates I jot it down - it also helps me remember if can keep it in the HP framework :) There are also the religious themes and symbols.... Has anyone else here looked in to these aspects of the books?

[robbedvoter]

1. Death vs a force more powerful than it

yes, stoicism was my philosophy of choice - and I do relish it in Harry Potter, although I never took time before to organize the thoughts.
The main conflict is shaping up as the fight between two archetypes - the self-preservation obsessed and the one capable of self-sacrifice for others.
It is nice that the book idea came to Rowlins after the death of her mother - so love/death are the main themes. And, since the entire story was conceived in one thought, it's coherent, and the point is advanced quite nicely. Very satisfying.

[Gryffindor_Bookworm]

2. yes! I minored in Philosophy, and I *love* the philosophical discussions.

One of my favorite moments of revelation is near the end of OotP, when Dumbledore tells HWMNBN that one of his biggest weaknesses is his failure to understand that there are things far worse than death.

I get the shivers every time I think of/hear/read that. The implications go on FOREVER.

[outraged2]

3. that is a good one but my favorite...

... is when Dumbledore tells Harry its all about choices..... “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities” (Chamber of Secrets)

I am glad there are more people who are into this- especially someone who knows more about philosophy. I don't know the philosophy very well, but I think it is fascinating and important. I think the philosophical undercurrent is one of the main reasons behind the books' success. William Bennett was right about people needing and wanting virtue..... he just got the delivery of it ALL wrong IMHO anyway.

[Pithy Cherub]

5. He who fears the name increases the fear of the thing itself...

sort of a reverse Nietzsche...

The elegant journey of philosophy(ies) embedded in the HP stories is a work of art. The coming of age for Harry as he learns to define what HE wants his life to be about. Voldemort as a foil is perfect; youth vs. experience, innocence versus the ego of self, fear vs. hope, and so many others.

[outraged2]

4. some links

If y'all are interested....

Harry Potter and the Good Life

Harry Potter Lessons in Political Action

Harry Potter and the Inklings: The Christian Meaning of The Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter, Catholic Boy

A Time for Harry Potter

Harry Potter’s Magic

Harry Potter Lessons - A Defense Against Dark Arts

[politicat]

6. I like the representations of the differences between Kant and Bentham.

I think I've got the names right - categorical imperatives versus utilitarianism. Since harry is effectively a utilitarianist, he's teaching a whole generation to examine the rules carefully and then disobey them if they're immoral.

These kids will have a much easier time when they get to college Philosophy than my generation did, at least with this concept.

Pcat

[outraged2]

7. I hadn't thought about utilitarianism...

That is a good insight, thanks. Kant I had seen pretty clearly throughout, but utilitarian philosophy hadn't even crossed my mind. Now that you mention it it is clear, but I doubt I would have ever picked up on it on my own. I have been focused primarily on Plato and Aristotle.