Does the Force truly have a Light and a Dark side?

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » 2002-10-18 08:15pm

I am of the opinion that the Force is one power, it has no sides and that the bipolar nature attributed to it are a myth (or merely dogma).

Please take this poll, and voice your opinions.

Cal Wright · Post by **Cal Wright** » 2002-10-18 10:53pm

I voted for number two. However I see it this way. There is the Force. The one Force and that is it. Traitor had a good explanation of things however, I'll take cannon over EU, especially the NJO any day. There is the Force, but there is a light and there is a dark. I don't think that it depends on how one uses it and what not. If you begin to give into your darker emotions, then the Dark Side will begin to take control That's just how it is.

Post by **Gandalf** » 2002-10-19 01:46am

I always figured the Light/Dark side thing was just interpretation of an immense power of the Force

Darth Yoshi · Post by **Darth Yoshi** » 2002-10-19 02:03am

Well, the one Force bit makes more sense. I mean, how exactly does something with the potential of the Force have two sides? Especially since its mere humans who've classified the Force that way. Also, it rationalizes Jedi being able to use Force Lightning (WOO! Jedi Outcast rocks!)

consequences · Post by **consequences** » 2002-10-19 03:24am

More like it has infinite facets, and is unique to every one who experiences it. This would mean the Old Jedi Order brought about its own downfall by trying to force the Force into their own paradigm.

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » 2002-10-19 09:43am

Darth Yoshi wrote:

Well, the one Force bit makes more sense. I mean, how exactly does something with the potential of the Force have two sides? Especially since its mere humans who've classified the Force that way. Also, it rationalizes Jedi being able to use Force Lightning (WOO! Jedi Outcast rocks!)

Jedi Outcast is my favorite game at the moment, it does indeed rocks.

I agree the Jedi's understanding of the force is akin to primitive humans, placing gods in every natural phenomena. They don't truly understand it so they ascribe human emotions and characteristics to it; some going so far as to claim its sentient.

Crazy_Vasey · Post by **Crazy_Vasey** » 2002-10-19 09:52am

The movies say it hastwo sides so it has two sides. That simple.

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » 2002-10-19 10:37am

Oh, an where do we see and objective, non-biases discussion of the force in the movies. We see three different interpretations in the films:

1. The Force is a Myth
2. There is a Darkside
3. There is a Lightside

All three are subjective because we only have dialogue to back them up. The force is essentially invisible and undetectable; we olny see the results of its influence. When either Jedi or Sith acess the power, it looks the same (we don't see the force itself).

Besides the EU universe shows otherwise, and the films don't contradict (see above).

Crazy_Vasey · Post by **Crazy_Vasey** » 2002-10-19 11:06am

I can choose to either believe Yoda, Vader, Palpatine, Obi-Wan and co or believe the EU which I am fast getting sick of. Tough choice.

Post by **Vympel** » 2002-10-19 12:20pm

Damn straight.

There is a dark side and light side; the movies make this abundantly clear.

Master of Ossus · Post by **Master of Ossus** » 2002-10-19 03:54pm

I don't think that the Force itself has Dark Sides and Light Sides, but that the user of the Force determines what side he or she is utilizing by applying his or her own morals to their methods.

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » 2002-10-20 03:22pm

Crazy_Vasey wrote

I can choose to either believe Yoda, Vader, Palpatine, Obi-Wan and co or believe the EU which I am fast getting sick of. Tough choice.

We are all entitled to our opinions; but if were going to except the Lucasfilm policy, we don't get to chose we must except both sources. There is not contradiction, and the theory of there being only one Force; is the simplest explanation.

None of the people you mention are being objective; it is entirely possible the the true nature of the force is beyond the understanding all of those mentioned. Never underestimate the ability of dogma to blind rational thought.

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » 2002-10-20 03:22pm

Crazy_Vasey wrote

I can choose to either believe Yoda, Vader, Palpatine, Obi-Wan and co or believe the EU which I am fast getting sick of. Tough choice.

We are all entitled to our opinions; but if were going to except the Lucasfilm policy, we don't get to chose we must except both sources. There is not contradiction, and the theory of there being only one Force; is the simplest explanation.

None of the people you mention are being objective; it is entirely possible the the true nature of the force is beyond the understanding all of those mentioned. Never underestimate the ability of dogma to blind rational thought.

Crazy_Vasey · Post by **Crazy_Vasey** » 2002-10-20 04:24pm

OK I'll phrase it more exactly then. Who should I believe, Vergere or every Jedi and Sith that had dialogue in the OT? Not a hard choice.

Cal Wright · Post by **Cal Wright** » 2002-10-20 04:57pm

By order of cannon, the Force has a light and a dark side.

Grand Admiral Thrawn · Post by **Grand Admiral Thrawn** » 2002-10-20 05:06pm

The only "sides" come from the weilder of the Force.

Stravo · Post by **Stravo** » 2002-10-20 05:16pm

I don't agree that the force is given a light or dark conotation by the user. The whole OT is about the seductive power of the Dark side. Luke must fight the dark side's siren call, it promises him quick power and what could be more tempting to a young impetuous lad looking for vengeance that is facing years of training...a quick and easy path. What about the tree "That place, strong in the darkside." There is abundant evidence in the movies that the force is a duality, it has a dark primitive side and a passive light side - chaos and order, ying and yang. It is a beautiful symetry that SHOULD NOT BE FUCKED with by the EU.

How will we know the good side from the bad? When we are calm and at peace - a Jedi uses the force for knowledge and defense-never for attack. It clearly dileneates the two sides of the force. And ask yourself this, if the force's nature is shaped by the user - why then does the darkside grant its potential new subjects MORE power. Whenever someone gets angry in the movies they whoop ass:

Obi Wan in TPM against Maul
Anakin against Dooku
Luke vs. Vader in ROTJ

Why? because the darkside WANTS them to join it, so it grants them the extra power, the feul for their aggression. I'm sure Vader was just as angry and far mor adept at tapping the Darkside but Luke wipes the floor with him in ROTJ - because Vader was already in the thrall of the darkside, Luke was a new target, thus the darkside reacted by giving him more power.

Both sides work actively to advance their agendas. The Light side gives its followers lucky breaks and flashes of intuition to help them. The Darkside gives its followers raw power.

Crazy_Vasey · Post by **Crazy_Vasey** » 2002-10-20 05:42pm

Why? because the darkside WANTS them to join it, so it grants them the extra power, the feul for their aggression. I'm sure Vader was just as angry and far mor adept at tapping the Darkside but Luke wipes the floor with him in ROTJ - because Vader was already in the thrall of the darkside, Luke was a new target, thus the darkside reacted by giving him more power.

That's an interesting way of looking at it. I always thought of it as Vader completely losing his dark edge thanks to Lukes influence and just wanting it to end.

Darth Yoshi · Post by **Darth Yoshi** » 2002-10-20 06:08pm

Crazy_Vasey wrote:OK I'll phrase it more exactly then. Who should I believe, Vergere or every Jedi and Sith that had dialogue in the OT? Not a hard choice.

That's like saying that God is a nice guy just because the religious leaders say so.

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2002-10-20 06:48pm

Grand Admiral Thrawn wrote:The only "sides" come from the weilder of the Force.

I'm inclined to agree.