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The Walking Dead and What It Means to Be Human: A Philosophical Exploration

W.H. Auden

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The Zombie Gospel: The Walking Dead and What It Means to Be Human

by Danielle Strickland

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3961 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	131 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror television series that follows a group of survivors who band together to protect themselves from the undead and rebuild civilization. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of violence, its complex characters, and its thought-provoking themes. One of the central themes of The Walking Dead is the nature of humanity. As the survivors struggle to survive in a world where the dead walk the earth, they are forced to confront their own mortality and the limits of their compassion. The show explores the ethical dilemmas that arise in a world where the rules of civilization no longer apply, and it forces viewers to question what it means to be human.

Existentialism and The Walking Dead

Existentialism is a philosophical doctrine that emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and responsibility. Existentialists believe that human beings are not born with a predetermined essence, but rather that they create their own meaning and purpose in life. The Walking Dead is a rich source of existential themes. The survivors are constantly faced with difficult choices that have far-reaching consequences. They must decide whether to kill or be killed, whether to trust others or betray them, and whether to hope for a better future or succumb to despair. Through their struggles, the survivors come to realize that there is no easy answer to the question of what it means to be human. They must each find their own way in a world that is both meaningless and full of possibility.

The Fragility of Life

One of the most striking things about The Walking Dead is its depiction of the fragility of life. In a world where the dead can walk, there is no guarantee of safety or security. Death can come at any moment, and the survivors must learn to live with the constant threat of annihilation. This is a theme that is explored repeatedly throughout the series, as the survivors grapple with the loss of loved ones and the challenges of survival. The show forces viewers to confront their own mortality and the preciousness of life.

The Boundaries of Human Nature

The Walking Dead also explores the boundaries of human nature. In a world where the dead walk the earth, the survivors are forced to confront the darker side of humanity. They witness acts of violence, betrayal, and selfishness. They must learn to adapt to a world where the rules of civilization no longer apply, and they must find ways to maintain their humanity in the face of unimaginable horrors. The show challenges viewers to question what they are capable of, and it forces them to confront the darkness that lies within us all.

The Walking Dead is a complex and thought-provoking series that has something to say about the human condition. The show explores existential themes, the fragility of life, and the boundaries of human nature. It forces viewers to confront their own mortality and the darkness that lies within us all. The Walking Dead is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the nature of humanity and the challenges of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

The Zombie Gospel: The Walking Dead and What It Means to Be Human

by Danielle Strickland

4.3 out of 5