Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I've read several books in this genre and have to say this one is the most provocative of the group, which, goes to the essence of the Matrix experience.

I didn't give this book five stars because some of the essays seemed a little "canned" and too much like sitting through my college philosophy course. Some arguments (the nature of faith, motivation, choice and free will) seemed well reasoned in the context of the movie sequences used for illustration, while others (tao, mystical experience) seemed labored and unconvincing (maybe Neo could "see" the machine world and Smith in Bane's body after being blinded because of his implants picking up signals instead of being a "mystical" experience - just an idea).

But, again, this is the essence of the Matrix experience: each person sees a different story or stories based on their knowledge and experience. The Wachowski Brothers take religious and mythical themes from (apparently) all cultures and tweak them to suit their story. My personal favorite is when Neo - the "one" - betrays his love with a kiss instead of himself being betrayed by a kiss (ala Judas). As a Christian, this sequence made me think that Neo really isn't the Christ-like figure that people want him to be and is really something else, but what? That question, for me, was answered when Neo meets the Architect. Mr Lawrence addresses the "kiss" sequence from the point-of-view of Persephone, which is a valid approach, but not the one I would have chosen.

I've earmarked several passages in Mr. Lawrence's book for follow-up inquiry, especially the sections which address biblical passges. Much like the follow-up inquiries that all three movies provoked in me, this book is rich with ideas and worth investing the time in.

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.

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.

Matt Lawrence explains the movies in an interesting manner. Instead of shoving his opinion in your face, he explains many sides to the situation including counter-arguments and supporting facts. I reccomend this book for anyone who is interested in the Matrix movies and who wants to learn symbolism and philosophy behind the series.

Matt Lawrence has joined the scores of philosophers that have endeavored to explore the myriad questions arising from The Matrix trilogy. This is a fortunate contribution to the available literature which can be rather inaccessible to the average reader unfamiliar with philosophical subjects. Lawrence treats one to two philosophical topics per chapter including skepticism, mind/body dualism, artificial intelligence, free will, foreknowledge, time theories, gender issues, ethics, existentialism, Taoism, and eastern meditation. Added to this body of material are a cast list and glossary - both including symbolic elements in the film - as well as a list of the philosophers covered in the book.

Lawrence presents a decent survey of contemporary thought on issues raised by the movie usually including arguments for both sides. Splinter also covers some areas that other books have disregarded - such as gender equality issues and time theories with regard to foreknowledge. Lawrence does a good job pointing out and explaining much of the symbolism found in the character names, places, and even the ships in the movie. His primer on the stories, and his thoughts on several lingering issues within The Matrix mythology are also appreciated.

Despite his claim to be raising questions rather than providing answers, in several chapters he quite clearly pushes more vigorously toward some conclusions over others, e.g., skepticism over what he calls naiive realism, and mind-body materialism over dualism [as confirmed in our conversation]. While it is certainly not unacceptable to argue for specific positions when writing a book on philosophical issues, in this case the author specifically claimed to not be doing so. Further, the positions Lawrence pushes are not always in agreement with those of the film (e.g. materialism and hard determinism). Although these positions may be represented by certain characters, this practice might be confusing in a book sub-titled "The Philosophy Behind the Matrix Trilogy," if by that one assumes that it is only the film's conclusions that are being expounded.

There is also a noticeable dearth of classical philosophers. With the exception of a reference to Plato's Cave and a chapter on Taoism, Lawrence focuses exclusively on modern philosophers (i.e. beginning with Descartes) as if no one prior to the 17th century had anything pertinent to add to the discussions (though this may be due in part to the Wachowski Brothers own philosophical leanings). This lack of consideration is highlighted by sweeping claims that "most" contemporary philosophers / scientists agree on these subjects. This failure to consider classic philosophy helps explain several questionable conclusions that might be found wanting by readers. Lawrence favors skepticism regarding our ability to know reality, materialism with regard to the existence of the soul, the possibility of emergent artificial intelligence, determinism with regard to free will, metaphysical idealism, and gender blindness (including the elimination of "social pressure toward heterosexuality"). He defines faith as "believ[ing] something on insufficient evidence," and advances Kierkegaard's "leap" when he describes Morpheus' faith. Lawrence concludes his book with an appeal to eastern mysticism as a way to transcend the "prison of our minds." He does argue for moral objectivism, which is appreciated, although he fails to adequately account for it. I would argue that much of this is simply the product of modern philosophy which cannot extricate itself from the problems of its own assumptions and methodologies.

These considerations should not be taken lightly. Splinter clearly targets those unfamiliar with philosophy (Lawrence himself uses it as a college-level introductory textbook), and while both sides of the issues are often presented, they are not always presented without bias, or in a way that Christians should find satisfying. Overall, Splinter serves as a good launching pad for delving into the questions that for some time have only interested philosophers. It is a good book for introducing beginners to the questions of philosophy, but should be read with caution considering many of the answers that it offers.

What a fun read!

This book presents a thorough analysis of the entire Matrix saga, including the Animatrix and Enter the Matrix video game. Rather than approaching the films from one philosophical view, many contrasting opinions are presented, leaving the reader to make up his or her own mind.

I've watched the films countless times, and this book still made me look at the Matrix in a way I never had before. Still, this book manages to provoke a chuckle here and there, rather than taking itself too seriously. And that's the great thing about this book. It's far from dull, nothing like a textbook. And when I read it, I could tell that Matt Lawrence is a genuine fan of the series, not just a professor looking to cash in on the Wachowskis' success. I could feel his excitement for the subject matter, which added to my excitement.

One of the highlights of this book is its character list and glossary, both of which are very informative. I knew these films were loaded with symbolism, but these passages opened my eyes to some intriguing, subtle details that, otherwise, would have gone unnoticed.

If you're a Matrix buff, this is definitely the book to get. However, it may be a little dense for casual fans or those who wish to simply understand the plot elements.

This book can only show you the door. You must be the one to walk through it.

This is really a great philosophy 101 book that tries to link examples to the three matrix movies, animatrix video and enter the matrix game. It does this very well but asside from the very excellent glossary and cast of characters which gives you the symbolism of names used down to what agent smith's car license plate "IS 5416" means, this is first of all a philosophy book. You will find all views on current philosophy, dualism determinism, etc etc discussed and defined. It's really great stuff and they try to make it as far removed from a college course as possible by going back to the matrix once in a while to give examples. I really liked it and learned a lot of things i missed back in college phil 101 that have pointed me to new books and ideas.

Although i haven't read these other books, it seems a trend now to link movies or tv shows to a book about philosophy. I've seen the tv show LOST and even "Battlestar Galactica" published as a "the philosophy of...". I have a feeling many of these books will also go over the same basic philosophy principles and try to make them stick to the show/ movie for better or worse.