Why do Francesca and Fringilla make an alliance?
"If we want to know why Francesca Findabair, the queen of the elves, chooses to entertain an alliance with Fringilla Vigo in Netflix’s The Witcher, we might be served well by taking a deep dive into the philosophical school of thought known as utilitarianism."
The latest chapter in the epic saga of The Witcher, Season 3 Episode 8, has left us on a tantalizing cliffhanger. Amidst the political upheaval and magical intrigue, a particular subplot has emerged as a beacon of complex character dynamics and moral quandaries: Francesca Findabair's proposition to rule Cintra alongside Fringilla Vigo. But, why does Francesca choose this path, and how does this decision aim to protect her people?
To unravel this quandary, we shall wade into the deep waters of utilitarianism, a philosophical school that hinges on the concept of the "greatest good for the greatest number." A trip down memory lane to the times of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who pioneered this philosophical framework, may offer us some insight into Francesca’s seemingly controversial decision.
Firstly, we must understand Francesca's position. As queen of the elves, a marginalized and beleaguered race in the Witcher universe, she bears the mantle of her people's survival and prosperity. The elves are not just her subjects; they are her family, her tribe, and the keepers of a rich, vibrant culture teetering on the brink of oblivion. So, any decision she makes, every alliance she forges, is a measure taken to safeguard her people's future.
According to utilitarianism, an act is morally right if it leads to the maximum overall happiness or reduces suffering for the majority. Applying this lens to Francesca's alliance proposal, we can conjecture that her intention is to create a realm where her people can exist safely and thrive. Sharing the rule of Cintra with Fringilla, she potentially ensures the welfare of her people by positioning them within the sphere of political power and protection. In the ruthless, survival-of-the-fittest world of The Witcher, securing a seat at the table of power could be the difference between survival and extinction for the elves.
This alliance might seem strange to some, given Fringilla's association with the harsh regime of Nilfgaard. But it is here that Francesca's strategic foresight shines. Utilitarianism isn't just about immediate pleasure or pain; it's about the long-term consequences of our actions. Francesca's apparent choice to partner with Fringilla could be viewed as a strategic step in a long game of chess, where the ultimate goal is the sustained wellbeing of her people.
Moreover, this decision reflects the inherent pragmatism in utilitarian philosophy. Ideals and principles may guide our choices, but it is ultimately the consequences that justify our actions. Francesca may have to swallow the bitter pill of alliance with a faction she might not entirely align with, but if it serves the broader good of her people, the philosophy of utilitarianism would vindicate her choice.
However, like any philosophical framework, utilitarianism is not without its challenges. It fails to consider the individual's rights and the fairness of an act, focusing solely on the end goal. While Francesca’s decision might protect the elves as a whole, it could also lead to sacrifices and compromises that might adversely affect some individuals.
Francesca Findabair's choice is fraught with ambiguity, a clear reflection of the complex realities of leadership and the quest for survival in a brutal world. The philosophical perspective of utilitarianism offers a unique prism through which we can understand her motives. Whether her strategic gamble pays off in protecting her people remains to be seen as the saga of The Witcher unfolds. But as we eagerly anticipate the next chapter, we can delight in the intellectual rabbit holes that this series continues to offer.
Stay tuned for more philosophical dissections of your favorite Witcher episodes. Until next time, as our beloved Geralt would say, "Hmm."
