Like a Splinter in Your Mind: The Philosophy Behind the Matrix Trilogy

by Matt Lawrence

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1405125241
• ISBN13: 9781405125246
• Release Date: July 2004
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A joy to read for Matrix fans and philosophy buffs alike

This book is a fantastic introduction to philosophy by way of the Matrix Trilogy. As a big fan of the Matrix movies and a burgeoning student of philosophy, I found this book to be an excellent overview of the evolution of philosophy from ancient to modern times. The Matrix films are saturated with philosophical and religious references and ideas that will not always be picked up and appreciated by the casual Matrix fan. The author fleshes out these themes and explains the possible philosophies behind them. The author uses the various disciplines of Eastern and Western philosophy to explain the myriad of confusing twists and turns of the three Matrix films in terms the layman can understand and find enthralling. Conversely, he uses the exciting story elements of the movies as a launching pad to in depth discussions about numerous schools of philosophical thought. Fans of the movies who would like to better understand some of the inexplicable elements of the story lines will find this book captivating. In addition,philosophy buffs will be fascinated at how the Wachowski brothers worked so much philosophical material into their genius science fiction epic.

The Best "Matrix and Philosophy" Book out there

This is the sixth book on the Matrix films that I have read, and by far the best. It examines the philosophical questions that the films raise intellegently and with clarity. It is also not "preachy" as many of the other books on the films are. As in the films, the author presents both sides of the debate, and leaves the reader to "make up his own damn mind". I believe that this is true to the spirit of the Wachowskis' work. An excellent and engaging read that will leave you with more substantative backing to the important questions in life.

By far one of the best. . . .

Immediately after the first Matrix film came out, a tidal wave of books, articles, and essays were published discussing the philosophical issues in the film. Unfortunately, most of these works were very shallow, not going much deeper than observing that "The Matrix" could be seen as a modern-day remake of Descartes' arguments for doubt. What sets Lawrence's book apart from other commentaries on the Matrix and philosophy is that he tackles a wide variety of philosophical issues and addresses them in a very thorough but accessible way. This book can indeed be understood by those with no background in philosophy, but Lawrence goes beyond the norm in the "Matrix and Philosophy" genre and makes the reader critically examine her or his own beliefs with great scrutiny. What also sets Lawrence's book apart from others of its kind is that it addresses the philosophical issues presented in all three of the Matrix films, whereas most of the "Philosophy of the Matrix" stuff out there will focus only on the first film, despite the fact that the philosophical ground is just as fertile in the latter 2 films as it is in the first. Lawrence ably discusses epistemology, metaphysics, foreknowledge, race and gender, ethics, and other philosophical issues. This book will also help you appreciate the films more, because he breaks down and analyzes dialogue and events in the films that sometimes go by too quickly. For example, Lawrence does a better job of interpreting the Architect than the Architect does. Overall, this book is by far one of the best in the expansive "Matrix and Philosophy" genre. This is definitely one to pick up for anyone looking to understand the Matrix films a little more, or to anyone looking for an accessible entry into the study of philosophy.

Ways of Seeing

What is interesting about "Like a Splinter in Your Mind" is the fluidity of the reading. That is, it reads well. The book not only offers a much clearer perspective into the Matrix films, but also allows you to obtain a philosophers perspective, where you begin questioning everyday phenomenon, such as are ability to really have free-will, or free-choice. The chapters are concise and to the point, lacking the usual rambling one experiences with philosopher's. Overall, the book does a great job of retracing the crux ideas behind the matrix films, yet also proposes some new ways of looking at your very own life.

Reads Just Like An Engaging Story

Who am I, What am I, Why am I here, and What is all this "stuff" all about? What is really "real"? How can I know what is "real"? Do I have free will? Am I "really" free to make and exert control over my choices or is fate predetermining everything, including writing this review? Is there a spirit, a soul, a mind or is it all just inside my brain? "Like a splinter in your mind," questions, questions, and even more ponderous questions begin to emerge as you begin to delve and to dig for answers into what philosophers, and the like, have been exploring, debating, and writing about since time immemorial. Unlike the cumbersome philosophic-type writings of the past (those whose writings make you feel like you're being forced to run through a maze while being hit up side the head with a 2 x 4), however, Lawrence's straight-forward, to the distilled point approach removes the erected barriers of the past and opens the maze through clarity and insight. Whether you're a "beginner," or need a refresher in what all that "stuff" is about, this is one "philosophy" book that is immediately accessible to all-you do not need to have seen the movie-I haven't--to follow or to understand this refreshingly engaging, reads just like a story, book. On my view, the mark of any great philosopher is one who can take those deeply ponderous and complex questions and then present them in such a way that enables the reader to think and to explore the actual questions rather than having to think about figuring out, "what is the point, what are you trying to say, and just what am I supposed to be thinking about"-Lawrence's book bears the mark of "great" philosophy.