ANU lecturer dons costume, argues Batman as a philosopher king

It’s not every day an academic at The Australian National University (ANU) dons a Batman costume to deliver a lecture.

But that’s exactly what Dr Kim Huynh from the School of Politics and International Relations did, adapting his PoliticalPhilosophy of Deception course for a special lecture for the ANU Film Group.

Kim argued that superhero Batman is a philosopher king in Gotham city.

“Batman’s alter ego, Bruce Wayne, is a profligate playboy but that’s a mask,” the international relations lecturer said.

“The Batman is nothing like that. He’s disciplined – and this is what makes him stand out as a super hero in many ways for me – he doesn’t have any super powers.  He wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider or born on another planet.”

Kim explained the political dimension to Batman’s total connection to Gotham city and its people, with Gotham a good example of Plato’s idea of justice and order in the city.

Then there’s Kim’s personal attachment to the Caped Crusader.

“Batman appeals to me as a nerd, and to others, as he’s come to own his fears and awkwardness,” Kim said.

“There are also enduring issues of tensions and possibilities in the human condition.”

The ANU scholar and author often meets refugee and asylum seeker children at Canberra’s Dickson College, whom the school asks to explain who is their hero and why.

“A couple of years ago, one fellow from Myanmar was wearing a Batman shirt. I said to him, I’m a Batman fan. Why do you like Batman? And his answer was: Because he is cool, but also because he is alone and he’s not afraid of the night.”

Kim’s ANU lecture also covered the Eastern philosophical concept of yin yang, which is seen in the relationship between Batman and his nemesis the Joker.

Some members of the audience challenged Kim’s views, with one arguing Batman had changed since he was created in 1949 and was no longer a fixed character. Another said Batman operated above the law to fight crime, whereas superhero Daredevil worked within it because he’s a lawyer.

“It was a tough gig, with a mixed crowd and many good questions, which I like,” Kim recalled.

Comics fan and Bachelor of International Relations first-year student, Skanda Panditharatne, enjoyed the experience.

"I liked it because I've a fascination with Batman and comics in general. It's so interesting why we find Batman has remained a compelling character over generations,” he said.

Asked his thoughts on ANU hosting such a lecture, Skanda replied: "It is absolutely fantastic as I love being able to expand what we learn in the regular syllabus."