V for Vendetta: Justifying Revolution - video essay [Political Philosophy]

Summary

In this video essay, the complex philosophical underpinnings of *V for Vendetta* are explored, focusing on themes of fear, revolution, and political legitimacy. The film critiques Thomas Hobbes’ philosophy that government power is justified through fear of death and consent, suggesting that liberty and personal integrity can override self-preservation. It questions when revolution becomes justified, emphasizing that while fear may drive people to obey oppressive governments, it is the collective desire for freedom that gives legitimacy to rebellion. Through its analysis, the essay examines the transformation of characters and the broader implications of personal vs. collective rights to revolt.

Takeaways

• 😀 *V for Vendetta* uses historical allusions, symbols, and philosophy to challenge ideas of political legitimacy, power, and revolution.
• 😀 The film critiques Hobbes' notion that fear of death justifies government power, instead exploring the potential for human action driven by liberty and personal integrity.
• 😀 The government's legitimacy in *V for Vendetta* is questioned as the film suggests that a regime maintaining peace through fear and control is not morally justified if it suppresses fundamental freedoms.
• 😀 Hobbes’ philosophy in *Leviathan* is central to understanding the film’s political critique: government power is justified by the consent of the governed and fear of death, but these principles are contested in the film.
• 😀 The transition of Evey from fear to fearlessness represents a broader societal shift from passivity and submission to active resistance for personal and collective liberty.
• 😀 *V for Vendetta* asks whether revolution is justified when a government fails to protect liberties and personal rights, emphasizing that revolution should be a collective, not an individual, right.
• 😀 The climax of the film highlights a collective right to revolution, where the people, not just a single individual, must decide to rise up against tyranny.
• 😀 The film challenges the Hobbesian view that life without government is chaos, proposing instead that life without a government that protects liberty may be preferable to a life under oppressive rule.
• 😀 Personal grievances, like V’s revenge, are not enough to justify revolution—there must be a broad societal consensus for the cause of rebellion to be legitimate.
• 😀 The film suggests that if the government's protection of life becomes a tool for oppression, rather than liberty, the foundation for its legitimacy is lost, justifying revolutionary action.
• 😀 The final act of the film portrays how revolution requires the population to act as one, symbolizing a shift from individual revenge to collective action for freedom.

Q & A

What philosophical concept does the film 'V for Vendetta' explore?

The film explores the philosophical concepts of political power, fear, consent, and the legitimacy of government. It delves into whether revolution is justified when a government becomes oppressive, challenging the idea that fear of death is the ultimate governing principle.

How does 'V for Vendetta' incorporate Hobbes' philosophy?

The film incorporates Thomas Hobbes' philosophy, particularly his views from 'Leviathan'. Hobbes argued that government power is justified by consent and the fear of death. The film critiques this by suggesting that people can value liberty over mere survival, questioning whether governments that base their legitimacy on fear are truly justified.

What is the significance of the government's role in maintaining order in Hobbes' view?

In Hobbes' view, the government exists to maintain order and protect people from the chaos of the 'state of nature,' where life is insecure and violent. A government that ensures peace and security, even if oppressive, is seen as better than living without any government at all.

What shift in Evey's character does the film highlight?

The film focuses on Evey's transformation from a fearful individual to one who acts without fear. This shift symbolizes the broader change in society, from living under oppressive fear to embracing personal liberty and courage, culminating in the public's march on Parliament.

How does the film challenge Hobbes' idea of government legitimacy?

The film challenges Hobbes' view by proposing that a government focused solely on security is insufficient if it suppresses personal liberty. It suggests that the protection of liberal rights—like freedom of speech and action—becomes more important than mere self-preservation, thus delegitimizing governments that do not uphold these rights.

Why does the film question the legitimacy of revolution?

The film questions the legitimacy of revolution by addressing the balance between personal grievances and collective justice. It suggests that revolution must be justified by broad consensus and that individual grievances are not enough to justify violent rebellion.

What role does V's anger and personal vendetta play in the revolution?

V's personal anger and revenge against those who wronged him initially drive the revolution. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that the revolution's legitimacy is rooted in the collective desire for freedom, not just V's personal quest for vengeance.

How does Evey's action of pulling the lever at the end change the nature of the revolution?

Evey's act of pulling the lever, which leads to the destruction of Parliament, transforms the revolution from a personal act of vengeance to a collective, principled act. It symbolizes the shift from individual grievances to a justified revolution that represents the will of the people.

What does the film suggest about the collective right to revolution?

The film suggests that revolution is not an individual right, but a collective one. It requires the participation of society as a whole, with a shared belief in liberty and justice. The film emphasizes that a legitimate revolution arises from a societal consensus rather than individual action.

What is the central theme of the film regarding fear and liberty?

The central theme of the film is the shift from fear of death as the driving force of human behavior to the pursuit of liberty and personal integrity. It argues that when individuals prioritize freedom over survival, they are justified in seeking a change in government, even if it means challenging an oppressive regime.