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Like a Splinter in Your Mind

The Philosophy Behind the Matrix Trilogy
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( 255 ratings, 23 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Like a Splinter in Your Mind by Matt Lawrence, the author explores the philosophical themes underpinning the iconic film The Matrix. This book delves into ideas about reality, perception, and existence, providing a thought-provoking analysis of how these concepts are portrayed in the film. It's an engaging read for those interested in examining the intersection of cinema and philosophical inquiry.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in exploring philosophical themes through the lens of popular culture, especially films. It offers an engaging examination of existential questions and psychological concepts, inviting readers to reflect deeply on life's mysteries in a relatable and accessible manner.

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Takes readers through the myriad of philosophical themes within the "Matrix" trilogy, helping them to gain understanding of the films and of philosophy itself. This book offers a way into philosophy through the "Matrix" films. It covers thirteen of the biggest philosophical questions in thirteen self-sufficient chapters suitable for course use.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

It's the questions that drive us. What is real? How do you know what is real? Can we be certain that we are not in a Matrix ourselves? Does free will exist inside the Matrix? Does it exist outside the Matrix? Are our minds just our brains? Are sentient machines possible? Is it ever best to take the blue pill?

It's the questions that brought you here. The Matrix films are not just about Kung Fu and special effects. Rather, they are about knowledge, reality, consciousness, freedom, fate, foreknowledge, good, evil, faith, enlightenment, and the very meaning of existence. In short, they are about philosophy - with some impressive special effects on the side.

Like a Splinter in Your Mind guides you through thirteen of the core philosophical questions that are explored in the Matrix films. You will see how Morpheus manifests Kierkegaard's philosophy of faith, how Neo, the Merovingian, and Ghost exemplify the three major positions on free will, how the objectivity of value judgments are challenged by Agent Smith, and much more.

Matt Lawrence brings a philosopher's insight to all three of the Matrix films, giving us a better appreciation of the trilogy, and a solid grasp of key issues in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind, race and gender, existentialism, Taoism and mysticism. And while his focus is squarely on the films, he also shows us how these questions relate to our own lives and our own philosophical journeys.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Matt Lawrence's Like a Splinter in Your Mind receives praise for its ability to engage both Matrix fans and newcomers to philosophy with its accessible and inviting style. Reviews highlight the book's well-organised structure and its systematic examination of philosophical issues relevant to the Matrix trilogy, all presented in a colloquial and witty manner that makes the complex subject matter approachable and enjoyable.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781405125246

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 June 2004

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Wiley-Blackwell

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 230.0mm

Weight: 295g

Pages: 240

About the Author

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

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