The Subjectivity of Reality

Paper Summary:

Plato's world was one of philosophical introspection and exploration from which the "Allegory of the Cave" was produced and which has become one of the central metaphorical constructs for analyzing societal structure and purpose for the Western world. The paper shows that one of the best modernizations of "The Cave" is found in "The Matrix," which is a production based entirely upon Plato's work. Plato provides for the concept of subjective truth, that which we believe must be true, even if it can't be empirically "proven." This paper examines reality in terms of "The Cave," "The Matrix," other literature (such as Wislawa Szymborska's poem "Advertisement") and a personal understanding of how both apply to our current perception of reality. Language is our only way to explain our world to ourselves and to others and, limited as it may be, it is the medium for our greatest achievement: philosophy.

From the Paper:

"Neo begins his journey toward enlightenment in The Matrix as one of the believers "a person who has no reason or desire to even think about questioning reality" it is, after all, real, isn't it? But, as the story progresses, as he begins to have his blinders removed and his chains loosened, he experiences a severe form of fear and uncertainty, he is asked to question his very notion of what is real, what is true. But, as he begins to see more of how the world functions, his awareness of reality shifts, just as those in The Cave react initially to the light in a painfully confused manner, and becomes aware."

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