Inside out, a philosophical approach to a Pixar film

The Article explores how these animated films illustrate the value of all emotions—from Joy to Sadness—and their vital roles in personal growth and moral development.

Join us in un-ravelling a captivating journey through the complexities of the human experience.

Dear brethren, today I’m coming with a slightly different subject. Filmography usually has certain content wordy to analyse from the perspective of our columns.

During the 20th century, Disney movies were a magnificent example of ethical knowledge hidden in plain sight in the film.

One couple of films called my attention, and I would like to share with you my analysis of them from the philosophical and masonic point of view.

The first one is Inside out (2015). “Inside Out” is an animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures.

The movie is set inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley Anderson, where five personified emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—guide her through life.

In the movie Riley’s life turns upside down when her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco.

The story primarily takes place in Riley’s mind where interacts the personification of her emotions, here, Joy strives to keep things positive, while Sadness begins to unintentionally cause problems.

During a conflict, Joy and Sadness are accidentally ejected from Headquarters, where Riley’s core memories are stored, and they embark on a journey through various regions of Riley’s mind to return.

IMAGE credit:  “Inside Out” 2015 produced by Pixar Animation Studios

Throughout their adventure, Joy learns the importance of Sadness in Riley’s emotional balance.

Back at Headquarters, Anger, Fear, and Disgust struggle to maintain Riley’s emotional state, leading to her feeling isolated and running away.

Joy and Sadness eventually return, and Sadness helps Riley express her true feelings about the move, leading to a heartfelt resolution where Riley reconnects with her parents and starts to adjust to her new life.

The new film, released in 2024 called Inside out continues to explore the inner workings of Riley’s mind as she navigates new stages of her life.

The sequel delves deeper into Riley’s adolescence. As Riley grows older, new emotions are likely to be introduced, further complicating her emotional landscape and providing fresh adventures for the original emotions.

Now let’s deep dive into the philosophical aspects that we could extract from these movies. The first point obviously is the Emotional Complexity and Value.

The film’s portrayal of five primary emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust) within Riley’s mind emphasizes the idea that human experience is multifaceted.

This reflects the philosophical perspective that our mental life is not dominated by a single type of emotion but is a dynamic interplay of various feelings.

This complexity aligns with the psychological theories of Paul Ekman, who identified a range of basic emotions. Philosophically, it underscores that understanding the self involves recognizing the diverse and sometimes conflicting nature of our internal states.

The interactions and conflicts among Riley’s emotions highlight how different feelings can compete for dominance.

For example, Joy often tries to suppress Sadness, believing that only happiness should prevail. This tension mirrors real-life psychological struggles where people may try to avoid negative emotions, leading to inner conflict.

Philosophically, this can be related to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, where internal conflicts among different parts of the psyche (id, ego, superego) shape behaviour and experience.

The film ultimately suggests that a balanced life requires the integration of all emotions. Joy’s realization that Sadness is essential for a genuine emotional life and meaningful human connections reflects the idea that acknowledging and incorporating all emotions leads to psychological wholeness.

This is consistent with Carl Jung’s idea of individuation, where integrating various parts of the psyche, including repressed or ignored emotions, leads to a complete and healthy self.

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“Inside Out” posits that each emotion has intrinsic value and serves a vital function. Joy brings happiness and motivates positive actions, while Sadness allows for empathy, connection, and healing.

Anger, Fear, and Disgust protect Riley from harm and help her navigate social complexities. From a philosophical standpoint, this aligns with Aristotle’s concept of the “golden mean,” where virtue is found in the balance and proper expression of emotions.

Each emotion has a rightful place and contributes to the good life when expressed appropriately.

The film particularly emphasizes the value of negative emotions. Sadness, for instance, plays a crucial role in helping Riley process her grief and communicate her needs to her parents.

This contrasts with the common societal message that negative emotions should be minimized or avoided.

Existentialist philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche have argued that experiencing and embracing negative emotions like anxiety, despair, and suffering is essential for personal growth and self-understanding.

These emotions can lead to deeper insights and a more profound appreciation of life.

The harmonious interaction of emotions leads to human flourishing. The film suggests that a fulfilling life is not one devoid of negative emotions but one where these emotions contribute to a richer, more authentic experience.

This can be related to the concept of eudaimonia in Aristotelian ethics, where true happiness is achieved through a life of virtuous activity in accordance with reason, which includes the appropriate expression and regulation of emotions.

As Riley navigates adolescence, she will likely encounter new and more complex emotional experiences.

This period is known for heightened emotional intensity and the emergence of new feelings such as romantic love and existential angst.

Philosophically, this aligns with the notion that adolescence is a critical period for the development of self-identity and emotional maturity.

The sequel could explore how the integration of these new emotions contributes to Riley’s growth.

Introducing new emotions in the sequel will further highlight the complexity and value of the emotional spectrum.

These emotions will add depth to Riley’s experiences and challenge her to find balance amidst the tumultuous changes of growing up.

The inclusion of new emotions can reflect the idea that emotional complexity increases with life experience, and each emotion plays a role in the ongoing process of self-discovery and personal development.

The sequel also delves into how Riley adapts to new challenges and changes in her life, illustrating the importance of emotional resilience.

This involves not just the presence of diverse emotions but the ability to navigate and integrate them effectively.

Philosophically, this ties into the concept of resilience as discussed in modern positive psychology, where emotional resilience is seen as crucial for overcoming adversity and achieving well-being.

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So, we could say that the film highlights the Stoic idea that our emotions need to be regulated for a balanced life.

Joy tries to control Riley’s emotions to maintain happiness, reflecting the Stoic practice of managing negative emotions.

The narrative underscores that all emotions, including sadness, have intrinsic value and are necessary for a complete human experience.

This aligns with existentialist views that suffering and negative emotions are part of the human condition and contribute to personal growth.

The film delves into how our core memories, which are coloured by emotions, shape our identity and personality.

This ties into the philosophical discussion about the self being a construct of our experiences and memories.

The transformation of Riley’s personality islands as she grows, and her experiences change suggests that the self is not static but continuously evolving.

This reflects the Heraclitean idea that “you cannot step into the same river twice,” emphasizing the fluidity of identity.

Also, the portrayal of Riley’s mind as a separate, inner world brings up questions about mind-body dualism and the nature of consciousness.

It explores how our internal emotional state affects our external behaviour and interactions.

The film posits that emotions have a moral dimension, influencing our actions and decisions.

The interplay between Joy and Sadness highlights the ethical importance of understanding and integrating our emotions to respond appropriately to life’s challenges.

The second movie portraits adolescence as a time of significant change and uncertainty, inviting philosophical reflection on how individuals navigate and make sense of these transitions.

The sequel may address how new experiences and emotions contribute to personal growth and the continuous reshaping of one’s identity.

As Riley grows older and gains more autonomy, the film might explore existential themes of freedom and responsibility, examining how she makes choices and the ethical implications of her actions.

These philosophical aspects make “Inside Out” more than just a children’s film, offering depth and insight into the human condition that resonates with audiences of all ages.

According to the previously mentioned, we could say that all emotions are important, and play a crucial role in our development, so, I believe could be interesting to dissect and analyse each emotion presented on the two films from the philosophical point of view.

The first emotion is Joy, Joy embodies the pursuit of pleasure and happiness. Philosophically, she can be seen as representing hedonism, which posits that pleasure is the highest good. Utilitarianism, which seeks the greatest happiness for the greatest number, can also be linked to Joy’s efforts to keep Riley happy and maintain a positive outlook.

Joy’s focus on happiness and positive experiences aligns with the principles of positive psychology, which emphasizes strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to a fulfilling life.

She is essential for motivating Riley, fostering creativity, and maintaining a positive perspective.

However, her initial dismissal of negative emotions reveals the limitations of a happiness-centric approach.

By the end of the film, Joy learns the importance of balance and acknowledges the necessity of other emotions for a well-rounded life.

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On the other hand, we have Sadness, Sadness can be linked to existentialist themes, particularly the acknowledgment of suffering, grief, and the darker aspects of the human experience.

Existentialist philosophers like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche argue that confronting these emotions is essential for authenticity and self-discovery.

She facilitates empathy and deeper connections with others. Philosophers like Schopenhauer and Levinas emphasize the importance of empathy and the ethical dimension of being attuned to the suffering of others.

Sadness plays a critical role in emotional healing and personal growth. Her ability to empathize and validate Riley’s feelings ultimately leads to genuine emotional expression and connection, highlighting the indispensable value of negative emotions in the human experience.

Anger is usually represented as a negative emotion, Aristotle discusses the concept of righteous anger, which is an appropriate response to injustice.

Anger, when justified and controlled, can be a motivating force for addressing wrongs and striving for fairness.

The Stoic view is that anger should be managed and controlled. While Anger’s outbursts can lead to impulsive actions, the Stoic approach would advocate for understanding and channelling anger constructively.

Anger protects Riley from perceived injustices and helps her assert herself. However, unchecked anger can be destructive, highlighting the need for balance and regulation. Anger’s presence is crucial for standing up against wrongs, but it must be tempered with reason and control.

The next emotion is Fear, Fear can be viewed through a pragmatic lens, where its primary function is to ensure survival and safety.

Fear’s cautious nature reflects practical wisdom in avoiding harm and making prudent decisions.

From an evolutionary standpoint, fear is an adaptive response that has ensured human survival by alerting individuals to potential dangers.

Fear helps Riley avoid risky situations and navigate challenges safely. While excessive fear can be paralyzing, its presence is essential for making careful and informed choices.

Fear’s protective role underscores the importance of considering potential risks and acting with caution.

Disgust, Disgust can be tied to moral emotions that guide ethical behaviour. Disgust often reflects social and cultural norms about what is considered acceptable or unacceptable.

Philosophers like Kant discuss the notion of taste and aesthetic judgment. Disgust plays a role in Riley’s preferences and aversions, influencing her likes and dislikes.

Disgust protects Riley from harmful substances and social faux pas, ensuring her well-being and social conformity.

While it can lead to exclusionary behaviour, disgust also serves as a safeguard against environmental and social hazards.

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Anxiety, Anxiety can be linked to existentialist themes, particularly the concept of existential dread, which involves the fear of the unknown and the pressure of making meaningful choices.

Anxiety’s constant worry about potential future scenarios aligns with existentialist ideas about the weight of personal responsibility and the inherent uncertainty of life.

From a Stoic perspective, anxiety is an emotion that should be managed and mitigated through reason and acceptance.

The Stoics believed that we should focus on what is within our control and accept what is not, which contrasts with Anxiety’s tendency to worry excessively about possible outcomes.

Anxiety helps Riley prepare for future challenges and anticipate possible risks. This protective function can be beneficial, but it also risks overwhelming her and stifling spontaneity and joy.

The character highlights the need for balance between caution and engagement with the present moment.

The next character is Envy, Envy is often seen as a morally negative emotion, associated with feelings of inferiority and resentment towards others’ success or possessions.

Philosophers like Aristotle and Aquinas considered envy to be a vice that detracts from personal virtue and happiness.

Envy aligns with this theory, which suggests that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others.

This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a focus on external validation rather than internal growth.

Envy drives Riley to recognize what she desires and motivates her to achieve her goals. However, it can also lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of appreciation for her own achievements.

Envy’s presence emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and finding value in one’s unique journey.

On the other hand we have Nostalgia, Nostalgia is deeply connected to the Romantic notion of idealizing the past and longing for a simpler, more innocent time.

This emotion reflects a yearning for past experiences that shaped one’s identity and provided comfort.

Philosophers like Heidegger have explored the concept of temporality and how our experiences of past, present, and future influence our existence.

Nostalgia embodies the intersection of these temporal experiences, shaping our present identity through recollection of the past.

Nostalgia allows Riley to connect with her past, providing a sense of continuity and identity. It offers comfort and a refuge from current stresses but can also hinder her from fully engaging with the present.

This emotion underscores the value of integrating past experiences with present realities to form a coherent self-concept.

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Ennui, or profound boredom, can be linked to existential nihilism, where life is perceived as lacking inherent meaning or purpose.

This emotion reflects a disconnection and disinterest in the world, often leading to a search for deeper significance.

Philosophers like Kierkegaard and Heidegger have examined boredom as a fundamental aspect of human existence.

It can prompt individuals to confront the emptiness in their lives and seek out authentic experiences and purposes.

Ennui signals a need for change and self-reflection in Riley’s life. While it can lead to disengagement and apathy, it also serves as a catalyst for seeking new interests and purposes. Ennui’s role is to push Riley towards introspection and the pursuit of meaningful activities.

Embarrassment, Embarrassment is a key social emotion that helps regulate behaviour in social contexts. It reflects our sensitivity to others’ perceptions and can guide us towards socially acceptable behaviour.

This emotion is tied to moral development theories, such as those by Kohlberg, which suggest that feelings of embarrassment and guilt help individuals adhere to societal norms and develop a sense of right and wrong.

Embarrassment helps Riley navigate social interactions by highlighting moments of social faux pas and encouraging corrective behaviour.

While it can be uncomfortable, it fosters social cohesion and personal growth by promoting self-awareness and empathy.

The philosophical significance of each emotion lies in their interdependence and the necessity of integrating them for a balanced life.

Aristotle’s concept of the “golden mean” is particularly relevant, where virtue lies in the balance and appropriate expression of emotions.

Each character represents a fundamental aspect of the human emotional experience, highlighting the complexity and multifaceted nature of our inner lives.

The film encourages an understanding that all emotions, even those considered negative, have value and contribute to personal growth and well-being.

The interactions among the emotions reflect broader moral and ethical considerations about how we should live and respond to our experiences.

Embracing the full spectrum of emotions fosters empathy, resilience, and a more authentic existence.

The emotions depicted in “Inside Out” and its sequel can be philosophically connected to Masonic principles in several ways, the first one is believe is the Balance of Emotions, Freemasonry teaches the importance of balance and harmony within the self and in interactions with others.

The integration of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, as well as new emotions like Anxiety and Envy, highlights the need for a balanced emotional life, akin to the Masonic pursuit of harmony and self-mastery.

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The next one is the Moral and Ethical Development; emotions such as Embarrassment and Envy relate to the Masonic emphasis on moral development and ethical conduct.

Freemasonry encourages members to reflect on their actions and emotions to cultivate virtues like justice, prudence, and empathy.

On the other hand is the personal growth and enlightenment. The journey of integrating diverse emotions parallels the Masonic journey of self-improvement and the pursuit of knowledge.

Emotions like Nostalgia and Ennui reflect the importance of learning from the past and seeking deeper meaning, which are central to Masonic philosophy.

And to conclude, the community and brotherhood, Freemasonry values the bonds of brotherhood and the support of a community.

Emotions such as Sadness and Anxiety, which foster empathy and preparedness, underscore the importance of mutual support and understanding within the Masonic fraternity.

In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, acknowledging and managing a full range of emotions is essential for mental health and resilience.

Practices such as mindfulness, emotional intelligence training, and therapy can help individuals achieve this balance, leading to a more fulfilling life.

By integrating the messages of the “Inside Out” movies, the principles of Freemasonry, and the demands of modern life, individuals can cultivate a well-rounded, ethical, and resilient approach to living.

Embracing emotional complexity, striving for personal and moral growth, committing to lifelong learning, and building resilience against change are key to achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

These practices foster not only individual well-being but also contribute to a more harmonious and ethical society.