POLI 150 Essay

Thesis

Byung-Chul Han would argue Gan is unfree due to systemic coercion masked as voluntary participation, while Plato would assert that Gan is free if his role aligns with the justice of the Preserve’s social order.

Introduction - Explanation of Gan’s Situation

Gan’s relationship with T’Gatoi in Bloodchild embodies the tension between coercion and choice within a structured society where Terrans serve as reproductive hosts for the Tlic.

Body 1 - Han Claim

Han would argue Gan is unfree, as his choice to host T’Gatoi’s offspring reflects structural coercion rather than genuine autonomy.

Body 1 - Han Definition

Freedom for Han means the absence of coercion and the ability to self-realize in an open future.

Body 1 - Han Evidence from Psychopolitics

The “auto-exploitation” paradigm highlights how individuals willingly participate in oppressive systems, which applies to Gan’s coerced participation.

Body 1 - Han Evidence from Bloodchild

Gan’s struggle with the rifle symbolizes his conflict between resisting and complying with the oppressive reproductive arrangement.

Body 1 - Han Conclusion

To be free, Gan’s participation must come from genuine choice, requiring the dismantling of systemic coercion in the Preserve.

Body 2 - Plato Claim

Plato would argue Gan is free if his participation fulfills his natural role within a just societal framework.

Body 2 - Plato Definition

Freedom for Plato emerges from justice, defined as harmony where each part fulfills its role in the city or society.

Body 2 - Plato Evidence from Republic

Plato’s focus on collective good and societal roles suggests that Gan contributes to the harmony of the Preserve.

Body 2 - Plato Evidence from Bloodchild

Gan’s acceptance of implantation aligns with his role supporting the interdependence of Terrans and Tlic.

Body 2 - Plato Concession

If the Preserve prioritizes Tlic interests over Terrans, it fails as a just society, undermining Gan’s freedom.

Body 2 - Plato Conclusion

Gan’s freedom hinges on whether the Preserve achieves mutual benefit and justice for both Tlic and Terrans.

Body 3 - Comparative Claim

Han and Plato diverge on the relationship between freedom and societal structure.

Body 3 - Han’s View on Plato

Han would critique Plato’s Kallipolis as perpetuating unfreedom through rigid roles and censorship.

Body 3 - Plato’s View on Han

Plato would view Han’s focus on individual autonomy as neglecting the importance of societal harmony and collective good.

Body 3 - Conclusion on Gan

From Han’s perspective, Gan is unfree due to systemic coercion. From Plato’s perspective, Gan’s freedom depends on whether the Preserve is structured as a just and mutually beneficial society.