Mirjana Maric

The Philosophy of Conan the Barbarian Mirjana Maric

This is already a cult book in certain circles. Although it's aimed at the average reader, it contains something characteristic of turning points in the history of philosophy. Like ancient Greek (Socrates) and modern philosophy (Descartes), Serbian contemporary philosophy gets its demon too. Apart from the appearance of the Daemon as the inspirer of this book, the theme itself is unusual. In fact, this work is like a multiple personality connected by a single thread that can be followed throughout the book - the theme of barbarians. The book deals with philosophical topics covered in the cult film Conan the Barbarian. Those are the ideas of Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Hegel, which are presented in an artistically remarkably successful way by famous American director John Milius. The philosophical views presented in the film, when it comes to eternal life and philosophical issues are complemented by the author's attempt to synthesize Kant's ethical formalism and Nietzsche's dualistic immoralism. Like a real treat, the theory of human sexuality as the cause of barbarian invasions is left for the end. But we don't know whether this intriguing theory is a step back or forward for the civilization. Does a civilized man have to look up to Nietzsche's ideal of "overman" in order to avoid being replaced by a barbarian? It's perhaps the best to read this book and judge for yourself.