Philosophers Explore The Matrix [Paperback]

TheMatrixtrilogy 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 byThe Matrixand 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 Matrixincludes an introduction that surveys the use of philosophical ideas in the film. Topics that the contributors tackle include: 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 Matrixwill 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.

1. Introduction,Christopher Grau
2. Bad Dreams, Evil Demons, and the Experience Machine: Philosophy and The Matrix,Christopher Grau
3. Morpheus and Berkeley on Reality,Tim Mawson
4. What's So Bad about Living in the Matrix?,James Pryor
5. The Matrix of Dreams,Colin McGinn
6. Existential Phenomenology and the Brave New World of The Matrix,Hubert L. Dreyfus and Stephen D. ló$