The Mandalorian as Philosophy: “This Is the Way”

Abstract

The Mandalorian is Disney’s finest Star Wars property because it’s the first one that hasn’t divided the fan base. But why? Because everyone agrees on one thing: the show is fantastic. In the first two seasons, the TV series follows Mando’s adventures in his quest to protect and reunite Grogu (aka “Baby Yoda”) with his kind. While the strong father-son relationship between the iconic duo is clearly the emotional heart of the series thus far, at its core, the show delivers philosophical messages and arguments. One of the central themes of the show has been to explore what it means to be a Mandalorian. For Mando, he discovers that there isn’t only one way to be a Mandalorian, and thus, a good person. Ultimately, the show argues that we should lead a virtuous life (like Mando) which involves developing good character traits. But the show also argues that care is the most important and primary virtue – that caring for others plays a significant role in our ethical decision-making and in achieving happiness. But are the show’s arguments philosophically defensible? In this essay, an examination of the show itself, as well as a discussion of Stoicism, virtue ethics, and the ethics of care, will not only reveal the arguments are sound and compelling, but also why it’s a good idea for us to put the virtues into practice in our own lives.