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Review
"Given the wide variety of topics covered, the unique perspective, and the inviting style, Splinter truly is the book Matrix fans have been waiting for. As an introduction to philosophy, it′s first–rate, both for fans of the trilogy, and even those who aren′t." THEMATRIX101.COM
"The book is exceptionally well–organized: Lawrence has done a remarkable job of isolating the salient issues and examining them systematically, one by one, chapter by chapter, in a colloquial, witty style that enhances the accessibility of his method." The Boston Phoenix, Friday September 24, 2004
Product Description
Like a Splinter in Your Mind leads readers through the myriad of philosophical themes within the Matrix trilogy, helping them to gain a better understanding of the films and of philosophy itself.
- Offers a way into philosophy through the Matrix films.
- Covers thirteen of the biggest philosophical questions in thirteen self–sufficient chapters suitable for course use.
- Demonstrates how each of these questions is illustrated through the events and characters of the films.
- Considers whether sentient machines are possible, and whether we should expect them to face the same existentialist issues that we do.
- Familiarises readers with key issues in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind, race and gender, existentialism, Taoism and mysticism.
- Includes a chapter that explains some of the technical elements of the films and confusing aspects of the plot.
- Also includes a Matrix glossary, and a cast of characters and their related symbolism.
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Detailed yet concise at the same time, this is an excellent, clear, unfussy, and accessible book by American-based college philosophy professor Matt Lawrence. Accessible but not dumbed down, which should be welcomed considering the abstract concepts that philosophy deals with.
For a start it covers the whole trilogy (and references the videogame too) which is a good thing given the broader meaning that comes from the aesthetic intentions behind the 3 movies rather than just 1. Several books have covered the (multi-disciplinary) ideas/meanings behind the 1st Matrix movie, but some jumped the gun and didn't wait to see what issues the sequels brought up (assuming that 'sequels are always bad' and 'just more of the same'). Some seemed to get a volume out before/in time for 'Reloaded merely to try cashing in on the interest generated by part 1 in case interest lessened with parts 2 and 3.
The Wachowskis played on our flawed 'take things at face value' nature, with most people, before the sequels came out, settling back into that comfortable way of thinking about the 1st movie's meaning, even though the very message of the 1st one was for us not to do that. Part 1 doesn't mean what it did, now that 2 and 3 have, for one thing, put an end to our assumption that 'the machines are evil and the matrix program must be destroyed'. Well done to writers like Mr. Lawrence - simply for waiting.
I've noticed how some matrix works, eg. essays, risk losing the audience from the start by having the titles be some long-winded, overly-academic sentence that doesn't seem to mean anything! It may seem trivial/obvious, but from the beginning the author here drew me in by not doing that. Just looking at his chapter headings made me (as a big matrix fan who, since the movies and my reading up on their related subjects, is now a philosophy enthusiast and aspiring 'matrix-meaning' writer myself) want to get reading particular sections straight away (I found myself spoilt for choice as to which chapter to dive into first.).
Sections on expected philosophy areas like choice & free will, and morality for example, didn't disappoint, but I also surprisingly found eg. a section on taoism to be a gem, in explaining about the necessity of balancing forces, and how Smith is overcome by Neo at the end of 'Revolutions. (As Bruce Lee said in 'Enter The Dragon', 'The art of fighting, without fighting'.)
The author even thanks his own philosophy students for their assistance, which was a nice little touch. If the way he writes is anything like how he teaches the subject, then it's easy to see that he must be valued as a teacher. Again - accessibility is the key. Make potentially stuffy academic subjects approachable and accessible, and relevant to today's (pop.) culture, and you can draw people in rather than have them tune out. And this book does that very well.
The book also includes helpful 'cast of characters' and 'cast of philosophers' sections. A fine addition to the various works on matrix-meaning already out there.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Matt Lawrence has written a fine introduction to some of the essentials of philosophy, using the Matrix trilogy to provide clear examples.
This book provides a decent insight into the philosophical facets of the films (and average video game, Enter the Matrix and also the Animatrix) that the average viewer might well have missed. In doing so, Matt Laurence elevates the Matrix trilogy way beyond kick-arse science fiction kung-fu movies. One particularly useful inclusion is a list of the character's names and their possible sources in eastern or western philosophy.
This book also provides a robust defence of the second and third films (Reloaded and Revolutions respectively) that got considerably less praise than the first film. It seems a little ironic that the co-creators of the Matrix trilogy made the films partly because they were bored with action movies with no intellectual content whatsoever; they were then turned upon by tempermental critics, for making overly philosophical, talkative movies - probably the same critics who were bemoaing the state of dumbed-down cinema.
So if you liked the Matrix trilogy and have an interest in the concepts that underpin the films, there is no better book on the subject.
This book provides a decent insight into the philosophical facets of the films (and average video game, Enter the Matrix and also the Animatrix) that the average viewer might well have missed. In doing so, Matt Laurence elevates the Matrix trilogy way beyond kick-arse science fiction kung-fu movies. One particularly useful inclusion is a list of the character's names and their possible sources in eastern or western philosophy.
This book also provides a robust defence of the second and third films (Reloaded and Revolutions respectively) that got considerably less praise than the first film. It seems a little ironic that the co-creators of the Matrix trilogy made the films partly because they were bored with action movies with no intellectual content whatsoever; they were then turned upon by tempermental critics, for making overly philosophical, talkative movies - probably the same critics who were bemoaing the state of dumbed-down cinema.
So if you liked the Matrix trilogy and have an interest in the concepts that underpin the films, there is no better book on the subject.
10 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If your looking for a book that explores the hidden philosophical meanings in the matrix films ,dont bother with this. Any respectable matrix fan ,will find little here that you dont already know .Infact you'll probably find you know more than the author ,who knows his philosophy but seems ignorant to the technical/computer side of things.
What this book does really well is introduce the Basic's of Philosophy ,using the Matrix films as a demonstration of the ideas .So the big problem is not the quality of the contents ,but the misleading title & cover .If your a Matrix fan and you want to get into philosophy ,then this is a great book for you .If however your looking for deeper meanings and answers to the movies ,forget it ,you'll be bitterly dissapointed .
What this book does really well is introduce the Basic's of Philosophy ,using the Matrix films as a demonstration of the ideas .So the big problem is not the quality of the contents ,but the misleading title & cover .If your a Matrix fan and you want to get into philosophy ,then this is a great book for you .If however your looking for deeper meanings and answers to the movies ,forget it ,you'll be bitterly dissapointed .
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