Ethics and Saiyuki
In my ethics class today we were discussing some of Thomas Hobbes' work. Particularly, his theory on human nature and social contracts. The idea that all actions are motivated by self-interest had me mildly annoyed to begin with, but the part I found particularly amusing was his claim that human beings only care for each other in order to instill a sense of obligation in the people they care for.
Okay, let's apply that concept to Sanzo for a moment. Does he really want Goku to feel obligated to him badly enough that he'd put up with that much stupidity? I don't think that's the reason he does it. And how about all the caring things he did for Hakkai? I think Sanzo was pretty clear with the whole you are NOT OBLIGATED to me speech.
Fail, Hobbes. Just FAIL.
Okay, let's apply that concept to Sanzo for a moment. Does he really want Goku to feel obligated to him badly enough that he'd put up with that much stupidity? I don't think that's the reason he does it. And how about all the caring things he did for Hakkai? I think Sanzo was pretty clear with the whole you are NOT OBLIGATED to me speech.
Fail, Hobbes. Just FAIL.