Honors College Theses
Publication Date
4-27-2023
Major
Philosophy (B.A.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (open access)
Faculty Mentor
Dr. William Eaton
Abstract
This paper examines the concepts of traditional Bushido and Roman Stoicism as they relate to the unique interpretation of Bushido by Akira Kurosawa in the movie the Seven Samurai. I explain the main concepts of Bushido and Roman Stoicism, focusing upon the virtues of each, and their connection to Kurosawa’s view on how Bushido should be practiced. I then draw similarities between these two ways of life. I examine how the genre of film dealing with samurai deals with this question.
Thesis Summary
This paper examines the relationship between traditional Bushido, Roman Stoicism and the interpretation of Bushido by Akira Kurosawa. It does this by examining the film Seven Samurai and its messages on how Samurai are supposed to follow the code of Bushido. The paper also takes a look at the problems of samurai culture that film makers have remarked upon.
Recommended Citation
White, Joseph, "The Gladius and the Katana: Viewing the Seven Samurai through the lens of Roman Stoicism" (2023). Honors College Theses. 867.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/867
