Analyzing Kira's Philosophy in Death Note

Overview

• Discussion revolves around the character Light Yagami, aka Kira, from the anime and manga series Death Note.
• The video explores why some people might agree with Kira's actions and philosophy.
• Kira's actions are justified through utilitarianism — the greatest good for the greatest number.

Part 1: Greatest Good for the Greatest Number

• Philosophy in Death Note: In Chapter 105, Light claims crime was reduced by 70% and war stopped due to Kira's actions.
• Statistics: Reduction equates to saving 315,000 lives annually by stopping wars and homicides.
• Hobbes' Leviathan: Compares Kira's rule to Hobbes' idea of a sovereign state to deter violence; a monopoly on violence.
• Comparison to Government:
  • Government executes criminals; Kira is more efficient.
  • Kira stops wars, which governments sometimes initiate.
• Kira's Potential:
  • Could address global issues like pharmaceutical greed and oppressive regimes.*

Part 2: But Isn't Light a Psycho?

• Character Traits:
  • Light is manipulative, arrogant, and sociopathic.
  • Shows no remorse for killings, even those close to him.
  • Obsessed with winning, more than just the cause.
• Personal Manipulations:
  • Uses others like Misa, shows no genuine emotions even for family.

Part 3: Does It Matter?

• Moral Dilemma:
  • Potential to save 295,000 lives annually justifies actions under utilitarianism.
  • Kira's future plans to kill lazy people deemed tyrannical.
• Slippery Slope:
  • Risk of extending killings to any dissenters; parallels to totalitarian regimes.
  • Could lead to personal vendettas and misuse of power.
• Ultimate Argument Against Kira:
  • Once desensitized, killing becomes easier, removing ethical boundaries.
  • Lack of checks and balances unlike a government, making him a worse ruler.

Conclusion

• Post-Kira World: Crime returned to previous levels, questioning the outcome of stopping Kira.
• Ethical Implications: The potential for harm was vast, highlighting the necessity of stopping Kira despite perceived benefits.

Closing Remarks

• The video suggests future content will explore similar analyses of villain philosophies in anime.
• Encourages subscribership for ongoing discussion and analysis.

Note: The lecture covered complex ethical implications of utilitarianism, paralleling fictional actions with real-world governmental structures, emphasizing the importance of balance and control in power wielding.