The matrix?

Question

HOw do we know for certain we are not in the matrix? and what is the matrix from a symbolic point?

Answer 1

In many ways we are.



This is more easily understandable if one considers the actual scale of the components of an atom. If one takes into account the fact that the neutrons, protons and electrons of an atom actually have huge spaces between them it becomes clear that the atoms that make up seemingly solid objects are made up of 99+ percent empty space.

This alone does not seem too important till you add the idea that the atoms that make up seemingly solid objects are more of a loose conglomeration that share a similar attraction but never really touch each other.

At first glance this does not really seem relevant, but closer analysis reveals that this adds a tremendous amount of empty space to solid objects that are already made up of atoms that are 99 percent space. When so-called solid objects are seen in this light it becomes apparent that they can in no way be the seemingly solid objects they appear to be.

We ourselves are not exceptions to this phenomenon.

These seemingly solid objects are more like ghostly images that we interpret as solid objects based on our perceptual conclusions.

From this we must conclude that Perception is some sort of a trick that helps us to take these ghostly images and turn them into a world we can associate and interact with. This clever device seems to be a creation of our intellect that enables us to interact with each other in what appears to be a three dimensional reality.

I hope that helps to answered your question.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 2

If you can't tell whether you're living in a Matrix or not...then does it really matter?

From a symbolic point, the Matrix is a false reality. Many people live in false realities, substituting their own dogmas & beliefs for reality & rationality. For instance, the politician who insists on promoting a gov't program that has been a proven failure in the past. Or the religious zealot who dismisses the piles of evidence supporting evolution in favor of his religion's creation mythology. Or even the person talking on the cell phone as they walk down the street, oblivious to their most immediate surroundings, immersed in the world of their conversation.

Ironically, as an avid World of Warcraft player, I participate in a sort of anti-Matrix, where I'm the one in control of a character living in an artificial online reality. The characters I control are the ones living in a created world, which is contained within the real world. Does that make me an Agent? Hmmm....

Answer 3

A captivating idea, that trilogy should have been the new generations "star wars". For sure, you can't be certain, but that isn't the important question. Would you want to know and be involved? This life is hard enough at times, why push it just? Pinch yourself and forget it. Symbolically I view the matrix as Freedom for the naive. People live through life not choosing not to be concerned about global warming or global starvation, committing to only there progress. They as are you/I are being forced into a media and government based matrix... right now...even this here...!

Answer 4

The fact is that we are in a matrix, however it is and will always be impossible for anyone to step outside of the matrix. The movie itself echoes the theory of Jean Baudrillard, a French cultural philosopher who came up with the theory of something called "simulacra" (analogous to the Matrix) in his book "simulacra and simulation". It's not just my opinion that the movie is based on Baudrillard's theory: in the scene where a girl with a tattooed bunny on her shoulder shows up at Neo's apartment Neo retrieves a disk from a book. If you pause the movie you'll see that it is a book by Jean Baudrillard, on whose theory the movie is based. It should be noted however that "The Matrix" is a perversion of Baudrillard's theories, because according to him we will never be able to step outside of the matrix (or simulacra) and see our true conditions of existence. It would take too long to get into what a simulacra (Matrix) is, but to if you're interested just look up Jean Baudrillard and his theory.

Answer 5

there is no way of knowing because the mere fact that we are (assuming we were) in the matrix implies the creator is far more intelligent and cunning than we. some people have said to me that thought is depressing, the idea that they aren't 'real'. the thing to remember is whether or not we are, as long as interference from the 'creator' was nil, our lives would be just the same. if you were the only one truly alive/sentient/conscious/etc. wouldn't you still love/hate/be happy/do everything you do for the same reasons?

Answer 6

We are in the matrix. There is no doubt. The question is who is at the controls.

Answer 7

My dim understanding of the symbolism of the Matrix is that we are but an insignificant speck on a speck on a speck on a smaller speck and so on and on .. ...

It is as if there is an entire world on the tip of a small needle.

We precieve our own reality in our own tiny speck. And beyond that - our speck is nothing compared to the larger specks as they layer.

Layer after layers of reality.........building a structure beyond our commprehension.

Answer 8

if we were we would not be able to perceive that we were. if we were then we could not compare this reality to an "real" reality outside of it. and since you live in a false reality then your beleifs themselves are false and everything you derive from them are false. therefore if you think that this is an illusion, you would have to deny it because you concluded a false beleif from a false conclusion from a false reality.

Answer 9

FROM A SYMBOLIC POINT IT IS YOUR 'HEAD', ITs NOT GOOD TO LIVE INSIDE OF IT. (SAVE YOURSELF FROM TOO MUCH COMEDY)

Answer 10

I think therefore I am