An insightful paper specifically examining the philosophical underpinnings and narrative structure of is "Rick, Morty, and Absurdism: The Millennial Allure of Dark Humor" by Lexi Kennell, published via California Polytechnic State University . Key Highlights of the Paper
: Drawing on the works of Albert Camus and Thomas Nagel , the paper analyzes how the show depicts the human struggle to find meaning in a world where actions have virtually no consequences. Rick and Morty - Season 2
: The author argues that the show uses absurd symbols—like the obsessed-over McDonald’s dipping sauce mentioned at the end of Season 2 and into Season 3—to reinforce that in an indifferent universe, the "meaning of life" is effectively nonexistent. : The paper "What is my purpose
: The paper "What is my purpose? Artificial Sentience Having an Existential Crisis" looks at the Season 2 episode "Total Rickall" (S2E4) to discuss how the show treats human and artificial sentience with equal "disrespect," effectively critiquing speciesism. such as "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)
: It explores how Season 2 episodes, such as "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10) , use satire to dismantle and belittle traditional institutions like marriage, family, and government. Complementary Scholarly Perspectives
: Analyzed in papers like "Ethics and Technology: An Analysis of Rick and Morty," this episode explores technopolitical thinking and "microverses" to illustrate how technology becomes an end in itself, often leading to the exploitation of others.