Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

Physics

First Advisor

Melissa Etzler

Second Advisor

Jason Lantzer

Abstract

The aim for this thesis is to discuss the themes and story structure of Bioshock with respect to Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged by deconstructing the relationship between both pieces of media as Bioshock representing a counter discourse to Rand’s objectivism. This will be done by examining both stories under a philosophical and economic lens to determine the main pillars of objectivism presented in Atlas Shrugged, then moving on to Bioshock’s dissection of these ideals when enforced on a secluded society. In doing so, not only is a better understanding of Rand’s philosophy obtained by presenting a form of case study on objectivist ideas, but this allows for an examination of how videogames can excel as a storytelling method alongside books and film.

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