Why does Aragorn let Frodo leave?
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
In J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale, The Lord of the Rings, we are introduced to a vast and intricate world filled with diverse cultures, moral systems, and complex characters. One of the most pivotal moments in this tale is the decision made by Aragorn, the future king of Gondor, to let Frodo Baggins, the young hobbit, go alone to Mordor in order to destroy the One Ring. This decision, though seemingly small in the grand narrative of Middle-Earth, has far-reaching consequences for both characters and the fate of the world they inhabit. By employing various philosophical theories, we can delve into the morality of Aragorn and Frodo's decisions and gain a deeper understanding of their actions within the context of Middle-Earth.
II. Intentionality and Aragorn's Decision
To begin our exploration of the moral implications of Aragorn's decision to let Frodo go, we can employ the Intentional Stance, a framework for understanding the behavior of rational agents. In this approach, we attribute beliefs, desires, and intentions to an individual, allowing us to predict and explain their actions as if they were following a rational strategy to achieve their goals. By adopting the Intentional Stance toward Aragorn, we can better comprehend the complex factors that influenced his decision to let Frodo embark on his journey alone.
Aragorn, a seasoned warrior and leader, understood the great dangers that Frodo would face in Mordor. However, he also recognized the immense burden that the Ring posed on Frodo's psyche and the potential for corruption that it presented to all who came into contact with it. By considering Aragorn's beliefs about the nature of the Ring and his desires to see it destroyed and to protect his companions, we can understand his intention to minimize the risk of corruption and maximize the chances of success in their mission.
The morality of Aragorn's decision can be evaluated by examining the intentions that underlie his choice. By letting Frodo go alone, Aragorn is acting in accordance with his belief that this is the best course of action to prevent the Ring's corrupting influence from spreading to the rest of the Fellowship. This intention, based on the desire to protect his companions and ultimately save Middle-Earth from the dark powers of the Ring, can be seen as morally commendable. Furthermore, by respecting Frodo's own intentions and recognizing the young hobbit's agency in choosing to undertake this perilous journey, Aragorn displays a profound empathy and understanding that adds a layer of moral depth to his decision.
In conclusion, by applying the Intentional Stance to Aragorn's decision to let Frodo go to Mordor alone, we can better understand the beliefs, desires, and intentions that informed his choice. As a result, we can evaluate the morality of his decision, finding that it was driven by noble intentions to protect his companions and save Middle-Earth from the darkness that the One Ring represented.
III. Consciousness and Frodo's Decision
To further explore the morality of Frodo's decision to go to Mordor alone, we can employ the Multiple Drafts Model of Consciousness, a framework that posits that our conscious experience is the result of various competing "drafts" or interpretations of reality that are constantly being updated and revised. By understanding Frodo's decision-making process through the lens of this model, we can gain insight into the internal struggle he experienced as he grappled with the Ring's influence and the immense responsibility that rested on his shoulders.
Frodo's journey with the Ring is a constant battle between his own desires, fears, and sense of duty, and the corrupting influence of the Ring, which seeks to bend his will to its own nefarious purposes. The Multiple Drafts Model of Consciousness can help us understand how these competing influences manifest within Frodo's conscious experience, as different "drafts" or interpretations of his situation vie for dominance. Ultimately, it is Frodo's conscious choice to resist the Ring's pull and continue on his quest to destroy it that emerges as the prevailing "draft" in his mental narrative.
The morality of Frodo's decision can be evaluated by examining the role of his consciousness in the face of the Ring's corrupting influence. Frodo's ability to resist the seductive power of the Ring and make the conscious choice to continue on his journey, despite the immense psychological and physical toll it takes on him, demonstrates a profound moral courage. Furthermore, his willingness to face the darkness within himself and confront the possibility of his own corruption in order to save Middle-Earth is a testament to the depth of his moral character.
IV. The Evolution of Moral Systems
In order to contextualize the morality of Aragorn and Frodo's decisions within the broader landscape of Middle-Earth, it is helpful to examine the evolution of moral systems that have shaped the values and beliefs of the diverse cultures that inhabit this world. By understanding the historical and social forces that have given rise to the various moral systems at play in Middle-Earth, we can better evaluate the decisions made by Aragorn and Frodo within the context of their own cultural backgrounds and moral frameworks.
Middle-Earth is a complex and richly detailed world, with numerous races and cultures, each possessing their own unique moral values and traditions. The moral systems of the different societies in Middle-Earth have been shaped by a variety of factors, including their unique histories, social structures, and relationships with other cultures. As a result, the moral frameworks that inform the decisions of characters like Aragorn and Frodo are the product of the diverse moral landscapes that they inhabit.
By examining the decisions of Aragorn and Frodo within the context of the moral systems of Middle-Earth, we can see that their choices are deeply rooted in the values and beliefs of their respective cultures. Aragorn's decision to let Frodo go alone to Mordor, for example, is influenced by his understanding of the moral codes of both the human and elven societies he has been raised in. Similarly, Frodo's choice to undertake the dangerous quest to destroy the Ring is informed by the strong moral compass instilled in him by his hobbit upbringing, as well as the influence of his mentor, Gandalf.
In conclusion, by considering the evolution of moral systems within Middle-Earth, we can better understand the context in which Aragorn and Frodo make their decisions and evaluate the morality of their choices within the framework of their own cultural backgrounds and moral traditions. This, in turn, allows us to appreciate the depth and complexity of the moral landscape of Tolkien's world and the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate their own moral paths.
V. Free Will and Determinism
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the morality of Aragorn and Frodo's decisions, it is useful to consider the interplay between free will and determinism in their choices. By adopting a compatibilist stance, which posits that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive, we can appreciate the nuanced ways in which both factors contribute to the decisions made by the characters in The Lord of the Rings.
Aragorn and Frodo's decisions are, in many ways, shaped by the deterministic forces that govern Middle-Earth. The world they inhabit is governed by a complex web of historical, cultural, and social factors that have shaped their lives and influenced their choices. Aragorn's role as the heir to the throne of Gondor, for example, imbues him with a sense of duty and responsibility that informs his decision to let Frodo go alone to Mordor. Likewise, Frodo's upbringing in the Shire, a community characterized by its strong moral values and emphasis on the importance of individual courage, contributes to his decision to undertake the perilous journey to destroy the Ring.
At the same time, however, both characters also demonstrate a remarkable degree of free will in their actions. Despite the deterministic forces that have shaped their lives, Aragorn and Frodo are able to exercise their agency and make choices that reflect their own moral convictions and beliefs. In doing so, they exemplify the compatibilist notion that individuals can exercise free will within the constraints of the deterministic world in which they live.
By acknowledging the role of free will in Aragorn and Frodo's decisions, we can better appreciate the moral significance of their choices. The fact that both characters are able to exercise their agency and make morally courageous decisions, despite the powerful deterministic forces that have shaped their lives, attests to the strength of their moral characters and the depth of their convictions.
In our philosophical analysis of Aragorn's decision to let Frodo go to Mordor alone, we have employed a range of theoretical frameworks to explore the morality of both characters' choices. Through the Intentional Stance, we gained insight into Aragorn's decision-making process, while the Multiple Drafts Model of Consciousness allowed us to understand Frodo's internal struggle with the Ring's corrupting influence. By examining the evolution of moral systems in Middle-Earth, we were able to contextualize their decisions within the broader moral landscape of Tolkien's world. Finally, our compatibilist approach to free will and determinism shed light on the interplay between agency and determinism in their choices.
Taken together, our analysis reveals that both Aragorn and Frodo's decisions can be seen as morally commendable within the context of Middle-Earth and the philosophical theories we have applied. Furthermore, our exploration of these decisions underscores the value of employing philosophical frameworks to analyze the moral choices of fictional characters, revealing the depth and complexity of their actions and allowing us to engage more deeply with the stories that captivate our imaginations.
