Matrix extra credit assignment
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School
Florida Atlantic University *
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Course
2410
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by SuperHumanIronPartridge54
Mia Lopez Irizarry
The Matrix extra credit
November 27, 2023
The plot of "The Matrix" takes place in a dystopian future in which mankind has been enslaved by machines, who have imprisoned human brains in a virtual world. The purpose of this artificial environment, dubbed the Matrix, is to occupy people's brains while the robots exploit their bodies as a source of energy. Neo, the movie's main character, learns the truth about the Matrix and teams up with rebels under the leadership of Morpheus in an effort to break mankind free from the delusion.
Making a connection between this story and Bertrand Russell's philosophical investigation in "Problems of Philosophy," we examine the basic issues surrounding the nature of reality and the accuracy of our perceptions. In his research, Russell explores the connection between our senses and the outside world, casting doubt on the question of whether or not our sensory perceptions truly reflect an objective reality or if they are only subjective impressions.
In "The Matrix," the idea that reality is illusory is highlighted. The Matrix is an illusion that has been meticulously designed to accurately replicate the sensory sensations of the late 20th century. This is consistent with Russell's doubts about the accuracy of our senses in seeing the outside world. The movie proposes that all of human perception is a fabrication that is under the control and manipulation of other forces, in this case, sentient computers, which takes this skepticism to an extreme.
The concept of skepticism about the outside world is one important element that links Russell's philosophical investigations with "The Matrix". In a crucial sequence, Morpheus questions Neo's
conception of reality, asking, "What is real? What does "real" mean to you? "'Real' is just electrical signals that your brain interprets if you're talking about senses like touch, smell, taste,
and vision." This is similar to Russell's investigation into whether or not our perceptions of the outside world are based on our subjective interpretations.
Echoing Russell's doubts on the veracity of human perceptions, the movie compels both characters and spectators to consider the veracity of their experiences. Neo's voyage from the brutal reality of the war-torn Earth to the simulated reality of the Matrix turns into a symbolic search for true knowledge and a more profound comprehension of the essence of life.
In addition, "The Matrix" expands on Russell's investigation by presenting the idea of free will and choice inside the boundaries of the virtual world. Neo's decision between the red and blue pills comes to represent the intellectual quest for reality and liberation from delusion. Russell's views on the nature of knowledge and the pursuit of a deeper comprehension of reality beyond
our immediate experiences are in line with this.
Let us conclude by saying that "The Matrix" is a cinematic investigation of the philosophical subjects covered by Bertrand Russell in "Problems of Philosophy." The movie questions our
beliefs about reality, explores the limitations of our senses, and asks viewers to consider the meaning of life itself. "The Matrix" connects philosophical questions to the world of science fiction in a thought-provoking and visually striking way by delving into Russellian skepticism and
the search for true knowledge.
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