Like a Splinter in Your Mind: The Philosophy Behind the Matrix Trilogy

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.

Matt Lawrence is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Long Beach City College.