The Nature of Violence and Its Reflection in The Purge: Anarchy

The film The Purge: Anarchy provides a stark examination of the nature of violence within human society. Through its portrayal of a night during which all laws against violence are lifted, the film illuminates fundamental philosophical questions about human behavior and morality. Central to the narrative is the idea that violence is an inherent part of human nature, suggesting a critical discussion about civilized behavior and the limits of individual actions without societal constraints.

Thomas Hobbes: Man as a Wolf to Another Man

Cited as one of the most significant philosophers in the history of political theory, Thomas Hobbes posited that “Homo homini lupus est” in his work Leviathan, succinctly encapsulating the idea that humans are inherently selfish and aggressive. This concept is vividly mirrored in The Purge: Anarchy, where society is stripped of its veneer of order and humanity descends into violence and chaos.

Survival Instincts and Moral Choices

Survival in the night is a test of not only the body but also the soul. Characters in the film are forced to navigate the depths of their own conscience, making moral choices that challenge their inherent survival instincts. This philosophy raises profound questions about the limits of human morality when faced with extreme adversity. The viewer is invited to confront their own ethical boundaries, pondering what they would do to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Societal Critique: Questioning Authority and Morality

The Purge: Anarchy also serves as a potent critique of governmental and societal structures. The film questions the morality of a system that allows for indiscriminate harm in the name of social control. It prompts viewers to examine the balance between order and human rights, challenging the notion that state authority is always a guarantor of justice.

Community and Solidarity in Adversity

Arcing through the chaos is the theme of community and solidarity. Despite initial divisions, characters from different backgrounds and walks of life come together to resist the night’s ungoverned violence. This exploration highlights the crucial role of human connection in the face of intense stress and adversity, suggesting that shared struggles can forge unexpected alliances.

The Optimism of Rousseau vs. the Realism of Hobbes

While Thomas Hobbes saw humanity as inherently corruptible and violent, his contemporary, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, believed that in their natural state, humans possessed innate tendencies toward empathy and cooperation. According to Rousseau, it is civilization that distorts and corrupts these natural inclinations, leading to increased violence and injustice. In The Purge: Anarchy, both themes of violence and human compassion are explored, raising questions about the true nature of human behavior.

As viewers witness the night’s atrocities, we must ask ourselves: Is there a pre-existing drive to do evil that resurfaces when traditional moral constraints are removed? Or is there an inherent capacity for compassion that can mitigate even the most extreme forms of violence?

This film stimulates a deep reflection on what defines civilized behavior and the role of morality in shaping human nature. It invites us to consider the complex interplay between individual actions, societal structures, and the natural inclinations that shape our behavior.