The Question of Reality According to the Matrix, Plato, & Descartes

The question of whether our world is real is quite interesting and it was raised by numerous philosophers and thinkers at different times. It is possible to find almost the same thoughts written several centuries ago as well as at present time. Thus, the main task of the given assignment is to identify some similarities and differences between The Matrix and the readings from Plato and Descartes. Also, the given essay is to find a better variant between the harshness of reality and the illusion of the good.

To begin, it is reasonable to say a few words about the similarities between the works mentioned above. The main similarity is that all three pieces of art question the reality they represent. In addition, they contain characters who have certain doubts concerning the reality and want to find the truth. Of course, it was not the exhaustive list of the similarities, but they are the most important to pay our attention to. Now, let us consider the differences.

The first thing that needs to be said is that the three are different on the basis of the thing that controls the supposed reality described. To explain, mankind controlled Plato’s cave, Descartes was controlled by his perception of evil demons, and it was a computer system that controlled everything in The Matrix. The main difference, however, can be found with the way how individuals realize that the reality is unreal and how they respond to it. In The Matrix, for instance, Neo is going to break ranks with the system with the help of Morpheus who says that “the Matrix is the world that has been pulled over the eyes to blind people from the truth” (Wachowski & Wachowski, 1999). On the contrary, Plato states that his character cannot take independent measures, and he may be freed only by the decision of others controlling him. Thus, we see that the Wachowskis provide their characters with more rights and opportunities to battle for their rights and future.

To continue, there are also some peculiarities if we compare The Matrix with the Descartes’ work. The main contrast here lies in the result achieved by both characters. If Neo finds the true reality and acts within it, the Descartes’ imaginary character does not happen to be so successful. According to Descartes, his hero feels “a certain indolence that insensibly leads him back to his ordinary course of life” (1641). Consequently, these doubts and the questions arisen result in the fact that the character is never able to find the true reality and answers to questions of vital importance.

Considering everything mentioned above, it is not a surprise that there are two different points of view concerning how people can act under the conditions of the unreal reality. Here, Plato points out that almost every man wants to find the true reality and exist there, while The Matrix provides us with the example of Cypher who “seeks a way to erase his memories of the truth and go back to his former state” (Wachowski & Wachowski, 1999). In fact, this issue of what to choose is very interesting, and there is here no right answer that will be suitable for everyone. As for me, it is better to know the truth as well as the true reality and try to adjust to it than to live in the world that is almost completely different from the real state of affairs. In this case, people will perceive the truth, and it is very important for a general order in the world.

To conclude, we have found that the theme of the unreal reality is quite exciting and popular in the world. The idea has been represented by numerous types of materials including philosophers’ works and films of the late XX century. There are both similarities and differences among all the possible works concerning the subject, and they can help us determine whether we currently live in the real world.

References

Descartes, R. (1641). Mediation I of The Things of Which We May Doubt. Mediations on First Philosophy.

Plato. (n.d.). The Allegory of the Cave. In The Republic (Book VII).

Wachowski, A. & Wachowski, L. (Director and Producer). (1999). The Matrix [Motion picture]. Los Angeles: Warner Bros. Pictures.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]
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