The Matrix And Descartes Theory Of Immaterialism Analysis

In reading both the online synopsis of the Matrix, watching the movie, and reading segments of Descartes’ Meditation I, and Berkeley’s Theory of Immaterialism, a multitude of similarities as well as differences between the them have arisen in my observations. The most striking similarity between them is that they question the reality which is being lived in, or attempt to determine what is reality, or figure what is being controlled by an outside influence. The main difference between them was the thesis of what was controlling reality. In the case of the Matrix, reality was being controlled by a hyper intelligent computer system. While Descartes believed that his perceptions of reality were affected potentially affected by either God or†¦show more content†¦It is as Morpheus points out â€Å"If real is what you can feel, smell, taste and see, then real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain.† Of course, Descartes isn’t the only philosopher whose ideas can be compared to those in the Matrix. The Matrix provokes the question of â€Å"What is real?† which relates to Berkeley’s Theory of Immaterialism. A connection found in the film between the Berkeley’s Theory and The Matrix was when Neo and Morpheus visit the Oracle. As Neo peruses the Oracle’s apartment, he walks into the family room and sees a skinny boy bending a spoon. As Neo watches the Spoon Boy, the Spoon Boy tells Neo â€Å"Do no try and bend the spoon. That’s impossible. Instead†¦ only try to realize the truth†¦ there is no spoon†¦ then you will see that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself.† This quote is connected with Berkeley’s Theory because the theory states that there are no objects, but they are instead perceptions of the mind. All objects, from chairs to a glass of water, solely exist in the mind, according to Immaterial ism which fits the Spoon Boy’s statement that â€Å"realize the truth†¦ there is no spoon†. The spoon in the Matrix doesn’t exist. It cannot be changed. However, when Neo’s perception of the spoon changes, it bends essentially changing and making the impossible possible. Further drawing similarity to Immaterialism. Berkeley’s theory also connects to the Matrix when Cypher has a meeting with