Like a Splinter in Your Mind: The Philosophy Behind the Matrix Trilogy

by Matt Lawrence

Overview

Like a Splinter in Your Mind leads readers through the myriad of philosophical themes within the Matrix trilogy, helping them to gain a better understanding of the films and of philosophy itself.

• Offers a way into philosophy through the Matrix films.
• Covers thirteen of the biggest philosophical questions in thirteen self-sufficient chapters suitable for course use.
• Demonstrates how each of these questions is illustrated through the events and characters of the films.
• Considers whether sentient machines are possible, and whether we should expect them to face the same existentialist issues that we do.
• Familiarises readers with key issues in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind, race and gender, existentialism, Taoism and mysticism.
• Includes a chapter that explains some of the technical elements of the films and confusing aspects of the plot.
• Also includes a Matrix glossary, and a cast of characters and their related symbolism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781405125246
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	07/16/2004
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	8.94(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.51(d)

About the Author

Matt Lawrence is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Long Beach City College.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vi

Matrix Quotations Legend viii

Introduction: Jacking into the Philosophy Behind the Matrix 1

1 Before the Philosophy: Understanding the Films 7

2 Tumbling Down the Rabbit Hole: Knowledge, Reality, and the Pit of Skepticism 20

3 Mind and Body in Zion 32

4 Are Sentient Machines Possible? 47

5 The Problem is Choice: Control, Free Will, and Causal Determinism 56

6 How to Really Bake Your Noodle: Time, Fate, and the Problem of Foreknowledge 69

7 Virtual Bodies: The Construction of Race and Gender in the Matrix 85

8 Agent Smith’s Moral Challenge 102

9 De-Cyphering Right and Wrong 114

10 There Is No Spoon: Reflections on the Material World 127

11 Morpheus and the Leap of Faith 138

12 Facing the Absurd: Existentialism for Humans and Programs 150

13 The Tao of the Code 168

14 Overcoming Your Own Matrix 183

Matrix Cast of Characters 198

Matrix Glossary 207

Cast of Philosophers 214

Index 221

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Given the wide variety of topics covered, the unique perspective, and the inviting style, Splinter truly is the book Matrix fans have been waiting for. As an introduction to philosophy, it's first-rate, both for fans of the trilogy, and even those who aren't." THEMATRIX101.COM

"The book is exceptionally well-organized: Lawrence has done a remarkable job of isolating the salient issues and examining them systematically, one by one, chapter by chapter, in a colloquial, witty style that enhances the accessibility of his method." The Boston Phoenix, Friday September 24, 2004

Editorial Reviews

"Given the wide variety of topics covered, the unique perspective, and the inviting style, Splinter truly is the book Matrix fans have been waiting for. As an introduction to philosophy, it's first-rate, both for fans of the trilogy, and even those who aren't." THEMATRIX101.COM

"The book is exceptionally well-organized: Lawrence has done a remarkable job of isolating the salient issues and examining them systematically, one by one, chapter by chapter, in a colloquial, witty style that enhances the accessibility of his method." The Boston Phoenix, Friday September 24, 2004

From the Publisher