Playing a Part: Barbie’s Philosophical World

Want to better appreciate Greta Gerwig’s highbrow screenwriting, or been wanting to read some philosophy but need a bubblegum pink excuse? Join philosopher Ryan Miller for a series in which we read and discuss classic philosophical texts in conjunction with brief scenes from Barbie.

‘We’re all being played with, babe! But usually there’s some kind of separation: there’s the Girl and the Doll. And never the twain shall cross.’

Weird Barbie was not the first to worry about actors being over-identified with their parts, whether due to their own failing or that of the audience. Aristotle gives voice to this concern in his short work on Poetics, which also interrogates whether Plato was correct about imitation and representation.

• What is the difference between playing a character and being one?
• Are imitations always less than originals?
• How can play be good for you?