Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Camus creates characters facing with the absurd in his works The Plague and The Stranger. In existential struggle, in the absence of meaning, morality arises as a crucial problem in both works. In The Plague there are people still having universal principles even in a chaotic atmosphere beside the ones who do not have. In The Stranger main character appears as an agent ignoring universal principles in usual and acceptable life conditions. With a necessity of analysis of the characters in the context of morality, this paper analyses the characters in terms of Kantian ethics. For this purpose, it applies Kantian ethical theory centering on categorical imperative formulations. The study explores in what way the characters adopt or ignore the rules of categorical imperative. Accordingly, it discusses whether the acts of the characters are for the sake of duty or in accordance with duty. Additionally, it portrays whether they see humans as an end or as a means. These aforementioned works are mostly explained through absurdist and existential perspectives. However, this study will reflect a different angle on characters by providing a new insight. All in all, this assertion is reached: Both works have samples of agents adopting or violating Kant’s moral theory. Meursault gives precedence to his inclinations and violates categorical imperative rule especially regarding his committing a murder and abuse. As for Dr Rieux, Tarrou and their group, they prioritize human dignity; thus, they act according to categorical imperative. On the other hand, Cottard and Father Paneloux violate this rule and they are tempted by their inclinations.
Source: DergiPark (Istanbul University)
Author: Yenice Ay, Ayşegül
Institution: Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Üniversitesi
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4405829317