Rediscovering the Philosophical Themes of Fullmetal Alchemist Through Edward Elric's Experiences
Edward Elric's Adventures in Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist is the classic anime series that follows the story of the brother-sister duo Edward and Alphonse Elric on their quest to find the Philosopher's Stone and restore their own bodies. Through their adventures, Edward and Alphonse are forced to confront a wide array of philosophical questions on life, death, and morality.
Edward Elric is the younger of the two, and he is often presented as a figure of youthful ambition but also naivety. He is a kind-hearted and brave individual, but his formidable ambition leads him to make rash decisions that can often lead him down a moral road. Edward's experiences within the world of Fullmetal Alchemist bring up many philosophical challenges.
The Concept of Equivalent Exchange
The concept of Equivalent Exchange is one of the key themes of Fullmetal Alchemist, and it serves as a major challenge to Edward Elric. The concept of Equivalent Exchange states that nothing comes without a cost, and everything must be equal in balance. In Edward's quest for power, he confronts many difficult choices on whether the end justifies the means.
The Meaning of Life and Death
The Elric brothers find themselves on the receiving end of death and life many times over the course of the story. Edward in particular finds himself struggling with the concept of life and death, as he is forced to face the consequences of his own decisions and question his own mortality. He confronts serious questions about the purpose of life as he is placed in the middle of a moral struggle.
The Powers of Morality and Reason
Amid all the obvious physical challenges the Elric brothers face, they must also confront the powers of morals and reason. Edward has to struggle with questions such as 'What dictates our morality?' and 'What is the power of reason in our day-to-day lives?' These are all important questions that Edward must deal with, leading him to make tough decisions that will shape the outcome of his quest.
The philosophical themes from Fullmetal Alchemist are timeless, and by following Edward Elric's experiences we can learn a lot about the moral journey he faces. We can appreciate the struggles he must endure and how they can shape our own views on life, death, and morality.