Philosophers Explore The Matrix - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195181069 ISBN 13: 9780195181067

Publisher: OUP USA, 2005

Synopsis

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 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 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.

About this title

About the Author

Christopher Grau is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Florida International University.

Edition details

• Publisher: OUP USA
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195181069
• ISBN 13: 9780195181067
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352
• Editor: Grau Christopher