In observation to "The Truman Show," similarities can be seen to all the topics that have been discussed throughout class. One thing that struck me right away was the similarity from Trumans "world," to the matrix. Throughout the movie we can see how even though Truman in his own nature is reacting entirely natural, the world around him is controlled and staged to be a certain way. Truman sees this to be the real world and if we notice his personality and his character we can also see that because of this staged "world," he has become a very happy, gleeful and very respectful person. The similarities between these two movies is astounding. I never realized until today how these films are so similar in the sense that they both convey a story of being enslaved in a world that isn't real. We can also see how the girl Sylvia is sort of like a Morpheus/Trinity figure. She is like Morpheus in the sense that she tries to reveal the truth to him about the fake world that he's living. She is like Trinity in the sense that she falls in love with him and is trying to help him in his conquest to be free.
Another observation is how Christof is kind of like the "God" of The Truman Show. He's in control of everyone, the weather and how things are in the truman show. I dont know if i'm looking to deep into this but when you look at Christof's name it can actually be two words; Christ of. I can also make the observation that Christof is the "Christ of" Truman. In the film there was the scene where Christof tells Truman that he can be safe in his world and that all that lies outside of it are worse deception and lies. In a sense Christof is trying to save Truman from a world that is totally different from his own and where Truman's life is not protected. The thing that make Christof different from God is that he is not omniscient or all-powerful. His knowledge is limited and he can't foresee the future. He can stage a scene but he doesn't know the outcome or how Truman will react. Also, he can't do anything. The only powers he has are those available to him in his studio.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Blog 5 "The Matrix"
Free Will is the ability to make a choice and no one interfering in that choice. I believe that we do have free-will. I say this because we as people can make our own choices, decide what we want to do and how we want to do it. The problem is not in finding out if Free-Will is certain. The problem is in the decision-making process in our minds. What I mean is that we do have free will, but because of our way of thinking, we will always make the same decisions because of what we have grown to know and how we react.
In the Matrix we see how Neo lives in The Matrix, not knowing if it’s real or not. We see how he sees the “world” as a vague and unreal world to him. Since he already has this view sinking in his mind, Morpheus is able to convince him to make the decisions that lead to him being unplugged from The Matrix. If we really think about it, if Neo was someone who wasn’t lonely or someone who was happy, he probably wouldn’t have left the Matrix. The point that I’m trying to make is that we do have free-will to make our own decisions but most of the time we will make the same decisions because we have never done otherwise. Another way that we can look into this is by the idea of Determinism.
Determinism is basically the idea that everything that happens, is caused by something else in order to push it into fruition. I believe that this is true, but not to the extent that Laplace claims it to be. He states that nothing happens without a cause. I understand that. The only thing is that he says that the same cause always produces the same effect. I disagree because the effect depends on the decision of the person in the cause. I probably won’t react the same way as someone else because we are all different in character and values so that cannot be determined.
If free-will is based on us being able to make our own decisions then we do have free-will. The problem is not in the concept. The reality of it is that we need to consider many possibilities. We have to consider our upbringing, knowledge, and beliefs because these things all determine the paths and choices that I will make.
In the Matrix we see how Neo lives in The Matrix, not knowing if it’s real or not. We see how he sees the “world” as a vague and unreal world to him. Since he already has this view sinking in his mind, Morpheus is able to convince him to make the decisions that lead to him being unplugged from The Matrix. If we really think about it, if Neo was someone who wasn’t lonely or someone who was happy, he probably wouldn’t have left the Matrix. The point that I’m trying to make is that we do have free-will to make our own decisions but most of the time we will make the same decisions because we have never done otherwise. Another way that we can look into this is by the idea of Determinism.
Determinism is basically the idea that everything that happens, is caused by something else in order to push it into fruition. I believe that this is true, but not to the extent that Laplace claims it to be. He states that nothing happens without a cause. I understand that. The only thing is that he says that the same cause always produces the same effect. I disagree because the effect depends on the decision of the person in the cause. I probably won’t react the same way as someone else because we are all different in character and values so that cannot be determined.
If free-will is based on us being able to make our own decisions then we do have free-will. The problem is not in the concept. The reality of it is that we need to consider many possibilities. We have to consider our upbringing, knowledge, and beliefs because these things all determine the paths and choices that I will make.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Blog 4 "Metaphysics"
Source and ontological status are both terms used to distinguish between the "real" and the "unreal" world. I found that these terms are explained in a complex manner but are not too complex in there nature.
Source is basically a person, place or thing from which something originates from. Gracia and Sanford are stating that we know the source of human beings beings born in the city of Zion, but we do not know the prime source for these things. What they are saying is that we don't know from where all humans came from and how they started living in the "real world." What is known is that the "unreal" world does not directly affect the "real" world. The source of all things in the matrix, or the "unreal" world, are the artificially intelligent machines in the "real" world. What we have to understand is that in looking for the source we are trying to find what the ultimate origin of all these things are such as humans, machines, and everything else. We are trying to find the beginning of these things and where they came from primitively.
Now, when we look at the ontological status, we can see that it distinguishes the "real" and "unreal" world by the way they exist. The solution is found based on dependence. In the movie we see that there is nothing that the "real" world is dependent of. The matrix, or the "unreal" world however, is dependent on the machines in the "real" world for it's existence. When we see how the "real" world and "unreal" world relate, we can see how that which is "real" and that which is "unreal" is determined.
Throughout the reading of "The Real and the Unreal," source and ontological status are two terms used to name two ways in which we can distinguish between that which is real and that which is unreal.
I agree and disagree with Gracia and Sanford. I agree in the sense that we can distinguish between that which is real and that which is unreal in our own perspective. But, how is it that we can determine the things that are real or unreal if we can't determine if what we're living is truly real? That is the real question. It is something to think about
Source is basically a person, place or thing from which something originates from. Gracia and Sanford are stating that we know the source of human beings beings born in the city of Zion, but we do not know the prime source for these things. What they are saying is that we don't know from where all humans came from and how they started living in the "real world." What is known is that the "unreal" world does not directly affect the "real" world. The source of all things in the matrix, or the "unreal" world, are the artificially intelligent machines in the "real" world. What we have to understand is that in looking for the source we are trying to find what the ultimate origin of all these things are such as humans, machines, and everything else. We are trying to find the beginning of these things and where they came from primitively.
Now, when we look at the ontological status, we can see that it distinguishes the "real" and "unreal" world by the way they exist. The solution is found based on dependence. In the movie we see that there is nothing that the "real" world is dependent of. The matrix, or the "unreal" world however, is dependent on the machines in the "real" world for it's existence. When we see how the "real" world and "unreal" world relate, we can see how that which is "real" and that which is "unreal" is determined.
Throughout the reading of "The Real and the Unreal," source and ontological status are two terms used to name two ways in which we can distinguish between that which is real and that which is unreal.
I agree and disagree with Gracia and Sanford. I agree in the sense that we can distinguish between that which is real and that which is unreal in our own perspective. But, how is it that we can determine the things that are real or unreal if we can't determine if what we're living is truly real? That is the real question. It is something to think about
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Blog 3 "Philosophy and Reality"
In "The Matrix and Philosophy," David Mitsuo Nixon starts to intrigue our minds, the readers, with questions that make us question certain aspects and ideas in comparison to The Matrix and real life. He talks about the possibility of us being in the matrix right now. I started to find this interesting because he states that if there is the possibility of humanity living in the matrix right now, then the knowledge that we have attained is fallible. It's basically saying that if a world is constructed to be made true to us, how are we sure that it is true if we are not living in that which is true. I know it seems pretty complex but when you think about it, not too much. The truth is that if this is true then what we think we have or think we know is basically nothing because we cannot back it up with facts, evidence or even logic because we would be living in a world that is not really our own or even "real."
Now, in Allegory the Cave we see how this statement matches that of the philosopher Socrates/Plato. In this story the slaves only know a world that was "constructed" for them just like the matrix. They perceive this life to be real and the only life that is lived. They perceive the shadows to be actual beings or creatures that live. When one of the slaves is freed, his mind has been opened up to a whole new world. He doesn't understand it because he hasn't lived it. The knowledge that he had attained was due to experience. This is something else that talks about in his book. He states that we as people dont question things to be true because we have "experienced" it to be true. When the slave is freed and sees this whole new world, he realizes that what he "experienced" was not the reality of life around him, instead everything that he thought was, is not anymore and can be questioned. What is normal may not be normal.
Carolyn Korsmeyer writes about the difference between perceptual experience and actual experience. Perceptual experience is basically what the matrix is all about. You have all your senses and they are "active" in the matrix so since it "feels" real it seems real to the world that is plugged in. Actual experience is what the people of Zion are experiencing. They experience life as it truly is. Korsmeyer asks if it is possible or correct to perceive reality through perceptual experience. This is saying that we can perceive reality based on what our minds or our senses perceive as real. It's a good question because who's to say that what we see, feel, smell, hear or taste is real? The truth is that we can never be sure and just know that there is a possibility of the matrix.
Now, in Allegory the Cave we see how this statement matches that of the philosopher Socrates/Plato. In this story the slaves only know a world that was "constructed" for them just like the matrix. They perceive this life to be real and the only life that is lived. They perceive the shadows to be actual beings or creatures that live. When one of the slaves is freed, his mind has been opened up to a whole new world. He doesn't understand it because he hasn't lived it. The knowledge that he had attained was due to experience. This is something else that talks about in his book. He states that we as people dont question things to be true because we have "experienced" it to be true. When the slave is freed and sees this whole new world, he realizes that what he "experienced" was not the reality of life around him, instead everything that he thought was, is not anymore and can be questioned. What is normal may not be normal.
Carolyn Korsmeyer writes about the difference between perceptual experience and actual experience. Perceptual experience is basically what the matrix is all about. You have all your senses and they are "active" in the matrix so since it "feels" real it seems real to the world that is plugged in. Actual experience is what the people of Zion are experiencing. They experience life as it truly is. Korsmeyer asks if it is possible or correct to perceive reality through perceptual experience. This is saying that we can perceive reality based on what our minds or our senses perceive as real. It's a good question because who's to say that what we see, feel, smell, hear or taste is real? The truth is that we can never be sure and just know that there is a possibility of the matrix.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Blog 2 "Matrix Review"
The Matrix has an enlightening story line. The two ideas that i have formulated from the movie are unique ideals in their own kind but connect in a more broad and wide philosophy.
One is that though the movie we can see, in comparison to todays society, a world that is constructed or developed to think, believe and even act a certain way. When we compare The Matrix to today's society we can see how the media has bombarded our minds and evolution of intellect with ideals that in all actuality are of opinion rather than fact. What im trying to say is that we are fed to believe that we should connect in unison with the way we think, the way we dress, even what we eat. Now in looking at the readings and The Matrix, we see how the world is crafted instead of experienced; ordered instead of inspired.
Another thing is how people would only want the truth if it was a truth that benefitted their life in terms of quality and efficiency. If we look at the case of Cypher in The Matrix, he says "ignorance is bliss," because no matter how fake The Matrix was, it was still easier to live in a world where you didn't have to worry about danger and extinction. Everybody wants an easy life where everything is handed to you and self importance is all that matters.
So the question is are we as human beings seeking truth or are we seeking that which is beneficial to our lifestyle? Are we leaders or are we followers of something that is not our own? These are the questions we need to ask ourselves because we live in a world that is about status and accomplishments but are we really accomplishing anything? It all depends on what is true. And for a fact i know that this is true in ou society. So, you need to decide if your gonna be another pawn or if your gonna be the one leading the game.
One is that though the movie we can see, in comparison to todays society, a world that is constructed or developed to think, believe and even act a certain way. When we compare The Matrix to today's society we can see how the media has bombarded our minds and evolution of intellect with ideals that in all actuality are of opinion rather than fact. What im trying to say is that we are fed to believe that we should connect in unison with the way we think, the way we dress, even what we eat. Now in looking at the readings and The Matrix, we see how the world is crafted instead of experienced; ordered instead of inspired.
Another thing is how people would only want the truth if it was a truth that benefitted their life in terms of quality and efficiency. If we look at the case of Cypher in The Matrix, he says "ignorance is bliss," because no matter how fake The Matrix was, it was still easier to live in a world where you didn't have to worry about danger and extinction. Everybody wants an easy life where everything is handed to you and self importance is all that matters.
So the question is are we as human beings seeking truth or are we seeking that which is beneficial to our lifestyle? Are we leaders or are we followers of something that is not our own? These are the questions we need to ask ourselves because we live in a world that is about status and accomplishments but are we really accomplishing anything? It all depends on what is true. And for a fact i know that this is true in ou society. So, you need to decide if your gonna be another pawn or if your gonna be the one leading the game.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Blog 1 "The Allegory Of The Cave"
As I am waking I see the things i usually see day to day; the beautiful form and shape of this wall. I honestly don't know what these things are that I see constantly in front of me. All I know is that they're dark and big. They never seem to converse or even state who they are or what they are. All I know is that it's been this way my whole life. I've been in these chains since my days as a child. I must say I like it though. I can't say I like anything else because this is all that I've been open to. This is all I know. But...it seems that my chains have been broken. I don't know what to do. Do i turn? Do i stay? I must see what is going on. As I turn I'm blinded by the sight of this bright light, but it seems that this light has shape and it feels warm. What is this? I see people walking past this form of light and heat, and I see how when they walk past it the creatures on the walls are in exact sync with them. I don't understand. Can it be that these creatures are not real? They are just the shape of the things that the people are carrying. I need to get out of here. As i run with all my strength possible, i end up in vast openness. And now I have been blinded even more by a light so great i can't even fathom it's existence. As i look around i am amazed by so much beauty. I have never seen this before in my life. A new world.
Friday, September 11, 2009
About Me
Hello, my name is Daniel. I am 21 years old, born and raised in New York City and of puerto rican nationality. I currently attend LaGuardia Community College. I am in the Liberal Arts Program but my plans are to transfer to a Computer Engineering Program. To tell you the truth my real dream is to work in music. I am a musician who learned independently with no private or professional instruction. I play the piano, guitar and drums. I know it may seem like a lot but I have been blessed with the ability to learn these instruments. Me and my brother are trying to open up a Record Label/Production Company. We make tracks, beats, etc. I'm the type of person that enjoys the simple things in life.
"Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact."
William James
"Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact."
William James
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