BioShock Infinite In Regards To Religion

The third of a five part series. This essay aims to explore the correlation between nihilism and religion within the world of BioShock Infinite. 

Socialism; “The harder this de-alienation of work tries to escape from the idealization of ‘artistic’ production, the more it must define itself.” (22)

Descartes; “aesthetic consciousness’ may be recuperated as an experience of truth precisely insofar as this experience is substantially nihilistic.” (114)

A floating city in the sky, idealistically “the city of dreams” forms the basis of the franchises 2013 installment. Much like its predecessors, destination ‘Columbia’ is a city in revolt, violently called for by revolutionary Daisy Fitzroy; who could be viewed as a Sartrean type figure. Father Comstock dominates as the so-called ‘prophet,’ dictating with the appearance of a Marxian character. He is however, counteracted by the otherwise controlled Booker DeWitt; labelled the ‘False Shepherd.’ This hermeneutic interpretation is wholly Christian with a Kantian outlook; if you can’t see it then it doesn’t exist. A theory mostly demonstrated in the games epic conclusion, with Elizabeth envisioning a key to open the door to the lighthouse. On a similar note, the quote (above) suggests existential ‘choice’ as a way to progress; old values become forgotten and thus replaced with modern ones.

*WRITTEN AS PART OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER'S PHILOSOPHY MAGAZINE. READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE HERE. 

L3: "Existentialism; Right vs. Left"

NIETZSCHE, HEIDEGGER, SARTRE.

FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE. (1844-1900)

Phrase "God is Dead" sparked the end of certainty (no Popper and 'Verification Principle'). Lead the way for freedom of thought; introduction of different aims and different morals which the State decides (oppose Locke and Natural Rights).

The "Ubermensch" (Superman) as Antithesis; the end goal in which we assert our own "Will to Live/"Will to Power" (Schopenhauer) through our freedom of choice/action (Existentialism).

MARTIN HEIDEGGER. (1889-1976) 

"Being and Time" (1927); Right wing view on what it means to exist (the nature of being) which Heidegger labelled "Dasein". He believed that the mind and body together makes understanding impossible. The Anti-Cartesian problem that "we are our minds" and therefore are unable to understand anything beyond it. Berkeley and Hume believed that we can never know.

The concept of "Dasein" refers to the interaction with an external form, such as Creative Writing or Journalism. According to Heidegger, dualism (mind and matter) cannot be possible if "Dasein" exists as this interaction is necessary for acquiring knowledge. For Sartre, "Dasein" is like living as the 'inauthentic self'; denying your own 'will to live' and therefore living in "bad faith". You are merely a social construction instead of living on the basis of choice.

Heidegger described this social construction as 'Facticity'; "we are thrown into the world." We are born at a certain time, in a certain place and therefore, the element of choice can sometimes be eradicated. This agrees with Locke's concept of a "blank slate"; as we already have a past, it is our future that defines us (Existentialism).

L1: "Phenomenology and Existentialism"

Existentialism. The rejection of DESCARTES. "I am, therefore I think" - We exist. There is no need for proof. [Anti-POPPER].

KANT and "The Critique of Pure Reason" [1781] Existence has no purpose, it is just necessary; a pre-condition of consciousness. As we exist, we constantly change and mutate. Our consciousness is subjective (based on the moods of the moment) and aposteriori in nature. 

HUSSERL and Phenomenology (consciousness without reference to external). "Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint" [1874] The metaphysical view that our essence is embodied. Abolition of mind and matter. Instead, mind over matter. Phenomena is presented to us through consciousness as a "thing in itself" (independent).

HEIDEGGER - "Being and Time" [1927] saw the end of the metaphysical outlook. He disagreed with HUSSERL - objects are not independent from mind, instead, they are a refection of consciousness. Objects exist only in the mind. Therefore, there can be no "absolute truth" DESCARTES - No difference between dream and reality.

DASEIN: "way of being"/"being there" (German) Reflective of the perceiver's mood. HEIDEGGERS PROJECT - to live subjectively; an 'authentic life'. Rejection of all philosophy since SOCRATES. ROUSSEAU - to break free from industrial chains.