PHILOSOPHERS EXPLORE THE MATRIX

by Grau

The Matrix trilogy is unique among recent popular films in that it is constructed around important philosophical questions--classic questions which have fascinated philosophers and other thinkers for thousands of years. Editor Christopher Grau here presents a collection of new, intriguing essays about some of the powerful and ancient questions broached by The Matrix and its sequels, written by some of the most prominent and reputable philosophers working today. They provide intelligent, accessible, and thought-provoking examinations of the philosophical issues that support the films.

Philosophers Explore The Matrix includes an introduction that surveys the use of philosophical ideas in the film. Topics that the contributors tackle how a collaborative dream could differ from hallucination, the difference between the Matrix and the "real" world; why living in the Matrix would be considered "bad"; the similarities between the Matrix and Plato's Cave; the moral status of artificially created beings, whether one can behave immorally in illusory circumstances, and the true nature of free will and responsibility. This volume also includes an appendix of classic philosophical writing on these issues by Plato, Berkeley, Descartes, Putnam, and Nozick.

Philosophers Explore The Matrix will fascinate any fan of the films who wants to delve deeper into their themes, as well as any student of philosophy who desires an accessible entry into this challenging and profoundly vital world of ideas.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Essays, Film

351 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Matthias]

I only read the essay The Matrix as Metaphysics by Chalmers, and it was good.

[nico · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.7*

[Rinstinkt]

A great part of the essays were lackluster. But the last 2 were excellent.
A few of the authors had imo disgusting views openly advocating for a matrix-like future for current humans.

[Karl O' · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeayeayeayeayeayeayeasurecsuresureitis. Yeah. Sure. Probably right. Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Possibly but you know. Like maybe. Yeah yeah yea yeah . Right right. Got it. Sweet . Sweet. Fair enough. Roger.

[Pedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tenía una deuda con este libro, porque lo comencé a leer hace tiempo y nunca lo terminé, por prioridades y luego por descuido. Sin embargo, ya era hora de retomar este excelente compendio de ensayos filosóficos que no abren la mente cual "red pill" de Matrix. Si te gusta la filosofía, este es un gran libro ya que te muestra como el ejercicio filosófico no es solo sobre materias aburridas o abstractas, sino que es una herramienta poderosísima para entendernos mejor a través del cine. Y si te gusta Matrix, el libro es una puerta ideal para la comprensión de los cientos de ideas y mensajes que la película explora. 100% recomendado

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, for students. Again, eh.

[John Kane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poses interesting questions but ignores others. Philosophy doesn't usually do it for me and this is no different. It feels like a few hundred pages of chasing its own tail.