The Matrix trilogy is unique among recent popular films in that it is constructed around important philosophical questions--classic questions which have fascinated philosophers and other thinkers for thousands of years. Editor Christopher Grau here presents a collection of new, intriguing essays about some of the powerful and ancient questions broached by The Matrix and its sequels, written by some of the most prominent and reputable philosophers working today. They provide intelligent, accessible, and thought-provoking examinations of the philosophical issues that support the films. Philosophers Explore The Matrix includes an introduction that surveys the use of philosophical ideas in the film. Topics that the contributors tackle include: how a collaborative dream could differ from hallucination, the difference between the Matrix and the "real" world; why living in the Matrix would be considered "bad"; the similarities between the Matrix and Plato''s Cave; the moral status of artificially created beings, whether one can behave immorally in illusory circumstances, and the true nature of free will and responsibility. This volume also includes an appendix of classic philosophical writing on these issues by Plato, Berkeley, Descartes, Putnam, and Nozick. Philosophers Explore The Matrix will fascinate any fan of the films who wants to delve deeper into their themes, as well as any student of philosophy who desires an accessible entry into this challenging and profoundly vital world of ideas. Contributors include David Chalmers, Andy Clark, Julia Driver, Hubert Dreyfus, Stephen Dreyfus, Frances Flannery -Dailey, Christopher Grau, Richard Hanley, Tim Mawson, Colin McGinn, Michael McKenna, John Partridge, James Pryor, Iakovos Vasiliou, Rachel Wagner, and Kevin Warwick
Industry Reviews
"Philosophers Explore The Matrix is of great value to students of philosophy who have already decided to see how far the rabbit hole goes, and, as Grau suggests, want to go a bit deeper. To that end, Philosophers Explore The Matrix is a noteworthy and respectable contribution to philosophy."--The Journal of Value Inquiry
"A broad and diverse collection...the book is a great success."--Alex Bussey Thames Valley University
"Several volumes have emerged since the film was released offering discussions of the philosophical issues that arise out of the film (and its sequels), but Grau's collection is by far the best...fans of the film with an interest in philosophy should without hesitation procure a copy-- Grau's collection features leading contemporary philosophers discussing some of the most exciting issues in philosophy, at a level accessible to any intelligent
non-philosopher."-- Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews
"This book is a rare thing: an anthology on a highly popular topic that actually includes many intellectually excellent contributions, and is at the same time engaging and intelligible to the non-academic public."--Ned Block, New York University
"This is an excellent collection by well-known philosophers ...uniformly intelligent, and well-written. The volume constitutes a genuinely excellent route into the subject. Amateurs who enjoyed the movie in part because it got them thinking about deep issues will be challenged by the book, and they will profit considerably from working through it." --Gideon Rosen, Princeton University
"Philosophers Explore The Matrix is of great value to students of philosophy who have already decided to see how far the rabbit hole goes, and, as Grau suggests, want to go a bit deeper. To that end, Philosophers Explore The Matrix is a noteworthy and respectable contribution to philosophy."--The Journal of Value Inquiry
"A broad and diverse collection...the book is a great success."--Alex Bussey Thames Valley University
"This book is a rare thing: an anthology on a highly popular topic that actually includes many intellectually excellent contributions, and is at the same time engaging and intelligible to the non-academic public."--Ned Block, New York University
"Several volumes have emerged since the film was released offering discussions of the philosophical issues that arise out of the film (and its sequels), but Grau's collection is by far the best...fans of the film with an interest in philosophy should without hesitation procure a copy-- Grau's collection features leading contemporary philosophers discussing some of the most exciting issues in philosophy, at a level accessible to any intelligent
non-philosopher."-- Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews
"This is an excellent collection by well-known philosophers ...uniformly intelligent, and well-written. The volume constitutes a genuinely excellent route into the subject. Amateurs who enjoyed the movie in part because it got them thinking about deep issues will be challenged by the book, and they will profit considerably from working through it." --Gideon Rosen, Princeton University
