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Comparing Plato, Descartes And The Matrix

Decent Essays

Daniel Madrigal
Phil 201 –B17
September 29, 2015

Essay Assignment
Plato, Descartes & The Matrix

The Matrix is a film that alters a number of new, as well as tells about the truth behind reality. It parallels Plato’s storyline from The Republic. There are many differences, as well as many similarities I have found from The Matrix as well as The Republic by Plato and Mediations on First Philosophy by Rene Descartes. They all ask the same question of ‘what is real?

In The Republic, there are quite a bit of similarities between it and The Matrix. Both do not get a real sense of what the true world is. They only understand what their ‘real’ world is. In The Matrix, the machines tell them what to do. In The Republic, it is what they see in the shadows. They both had valid reasons and evidence that supported their beliefs. According to the allegory of the cave, “the shadows are as close as the prisoners get to the viewing of reality.” However, the Bible does say, “It is our duty to be responsible of what is false or what is true reality.” As there were many similarities, there are only very few …show more content…

They both however pose the question of which is better; the harshness of reality or the “ignorance is bliss” of illusion? As a future teacher of young people, I believe it is important to let people believe in whatever they want to believe in. It is always best to have an imagination, as long as you are aware of your surrounding reality. It is extremely easy to go through life living in a haze of ignorance, but all it does is cover up. The longer you live in this haze the harder it hits you when you have to face the truth and reality. Cypher from The Matrix even said, “I know this steak doesn’t exist. I know when I put it in my mouth; the Matrix is telling my brain that it’s juicy and delicious. After nine years, you know what I realize? Ignorance is

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