"The Matrix", Descartes and Hobbes

Paper Summary:

The aim of this paper is to explore philosophical questions and issues as they are brought to one's attention while viewing the film "The Matrix" and see the correlations between the film's deeper messages and that of Renee Descartes and Thomas Hobbes. It looks at how the film offers a gradual immersion into a new state of being, a greater state of conscious thought or enlightenment leading to greater understanding of one's self and identity due to the film's content. It also discusses how, like Descartes and Hobbes, the film's directors serve to push the envelope of self-expression and exploration.

Outline:
Introduction
"The Matrix" and Its Themes and Symbolism With Regard to Self-Identity
Descartes and Hobbes and "The Matrix"
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"For the purpose of greater understanding philosophy and the film The Matrix, it was important to view and analyze key scenes where the concept of self-identity and one's relationship and expression with world came under scrutiny. There is no question that much is at risk from the beginning of The Matrix that many are fighting within the construct the machines have created to enslave the human race. However the way in which these ideologies are conveyed are jarring and uncomfortable. First of all the world of the matrix, what Neo believes to be the 'real' world is presented in stark contrasts between light and dark almost creating a film noir type quality. In fact, one could argue it is neo-noir, or modern noir with hints of classic noir stuck in to convey older storytelling conventions. Much of the dual life of Neo is lived in contrast. By day is clean cut, professional computer program writer, by night a man who hangs out with gothic and the underbelly of society as a hacker in search of the elusive Morpheous. What really is at play here for the viewer is creating a dual personality of the hero, adding to the myth within subculture and a collective belief. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Descartes, Rene. Meditations. Trans. John Veitch. 10 April 2008 <http://www.wright.edu/cola/decartes/meditation1.html..>.
• Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. Champaign, IL: Project Gutenberg, 2002.
• Wachowski, Larry and Andy. The Matrix. Burbank, CA: Warner Brothers, 1999.

More papers on "The Matrix", Descartes and Hobbes:

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