Matt Lawrence

Like a Splinter in Your Mind

The Philosophy Behind the Matrix Trilogy

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

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.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Blackwell Publishers
• Seitenzahl: 240
• Erscheinungstermin: 16. Juli 2004
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 229mm x 152mm x 13mm
• Gewicht: 340g
• ISBN-13: 9781405125246
• ISBN-10: 1405125241
• Artikelnr.: 13619658

Autorenporträt

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

Inhaltsangabe

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

Rezensionen

"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

"Lawrence's examples enable a reader well-versed in theseries to understand the complex philosophical issues andperspectives represented by the various characters andevents." (Journal of the Fantastic In the Arts)

"Given the wide variety of topics covered, the uniqueperspective, and the inviting style, Splinter truly is thebook Matrix fans have been waiting for. As an introduction tophilosophy, it's first-rate, both for fans of the trilogy, and eventhose who aren't." (THEMATRIX101.COM)

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