The Matrix has become a film that raises a mirage of philosophical issues. The most common application of the move in a classroom setting is to discuss it in the context of the brain in the vat argument: The idea that we cannot comprehend the nature of reality because our perceptions are deceptive in nature. For our purposes however, the Matrix can be discussed in terms of images, in particular the images that are the product of technological advancement. We really are surrounded by an assortment of images. At any given point in my day; I can log in to Facebook and see an endless stream of pictures and cat videos. These images can even be related to other searches that I have done throughout the week. A real life example of this occurred just the other day. I am in the market for a new suit for my cousins wedding. What should I see on the side of my Facebook but images of a suit; similar to the one I was viewing. Images have perpetuated themselves into the culture of everyday life, whether we like it or not.
I must be gaining a bold reputation on the blogs for being a “been better” thinker, so I would like to put forth the idea that I am not against technology in any regard. I am instead very critical of technology. Do I find the constant viewing of images by a public concerning; yes I do. I would however not go as far as to say that we are living in the matrix; where the nature of reality has been so saturated by these images that we are no longer able to assess the difference between our perceived reality, and what I will coin the actualized reality. However it is fair to suggest that are reality is being shaped in a sense by the constant flow of images that ebb across the screen. Again; I am not sure whether this is good or bad, and obviously the matrix is a hyperbolized metaphor, but the role that images play in the lives of everyday citizens is shifting rapidly, that much is evident.
I agree with your sentiment that “we are not in the matrix” and that there are still many ways in which we can really understand the images and extract meaning from them. Images are certainly abstractions but I don’t think they have reproduced to the point of meaninglessness. We can still understand images and by contextualizing them within the world I think that it is possible to better deal with them.
To contextualize this in terms of the suit purchase- your knowledge that the advertisement was placed in order to sell you something enables you to more deeply consider if you really want a suit. More specifically it helps you decide if you want the suit advertised to you. Though you can’t always trace the source of an image and you can’t always stop it’s impact on your sub-conscious mind, I think that it is often possible to analyze how an image was produced. Additionally, I think that you can use this knowledge to much better in form your decisions (it sounds like you certainly did in this case).
I would also agree, and I would further point out that such blatantly dystopian thought doesn’t get us anywhere in terms of plotting a positive path forward. I would argue that we need to learn to navigate this environment in a way that holds such things at a distance. This is what Heidegger calls a “releasement towards things” (Memorial Address) or in this case the ability to let images pass by without provoking us in such a manner. If we take this approach, perhaps this “matrix” will never come about in such a way. I would not argue that we can undo this progression towards the viewing of images, however. The notion that we can ‘go back’ is counterproductive and does not do justice to the way in which mankind has evolved and the way in which our knowledge evolves.
I was actually reading your article and found some really interesting information. The thing is quite clear that I just want to thank for it. compassmobile.dollartree.com
Great post. It was much needed. Love your simplistic style of explanation. BigLotsSurvey