So, I've started a new book called "Philosophers Explore the Matrix" in which a bunch of philosophers and students of religion take it upon themselves to flesh out all the tricky questions The Matrix poses, and it's blowing my mind.
So far I've read all about solipsistic views of reality (if you get a chance, examine the verificationist's point of view. Tell me what you think is wrong with it) and what exactly constitutes "real," which is a much more difficult question than one might originally think. I think I've lost a little respect for the Wachowski brothers in reading this book. The entire philosophical background for the movie has been in existence for hundreds of years and debated on so many levels. All they had to do was write the script and sell it off. Oh well. Shakespeare said, "nothing is new under the sun," and he continues to prove himself correct to me.
Enough Hollywood ranting. Here's my question of the day:
Can one change history?
Let's begin with a quote from one of my very least favorite books, 1984:
"Then where does the past exist, if at all?"
"In records. It is written down."
"In records. And-?"
"In the mind. In human memories."
"In memory. Very well, then. We, the Party, control all records, and we control all memories. Then we control the past, do we not?"
-1984 by George Orwell
Okay, so if something is forgotten by a every single person and all records of the event have been lost forever, did the event ever occur? Let me put it another way.
Suppose Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity didn't decide to liberate everyone in the Matrix, but instead decided to strike up a deal with the Machines.
Suppose they say,
"Look, keep doing what you're doing because people in the Matrix seem to be enjoying themselves. What you need to do is make up a likely story for why you decided to plug everyone into this 'false reality.' Make yourselves look like benevolent heroes by putting the human race into a false reality instead of this dark, dank world. Then, destroy all records and databases, including the city of Zion, that would give evidence to the human vs. machine war. Everyone is happy! You look like heroes, the humans are content in their fish tank. What do you say?"
What would be wrong with this? Would you be able to argue that the war ever occurred, and supposing the machines erase and reprogram themselves to make even themselves think they're creating the Matrix for benevolent purposes, would they still be doing wrong? There are so many sticky situations going on here.
I just thought I'd give you all an insight into my latest line of thinking and see if anyone has any constructive ideas to put forth on the matter. Fun stuff, eh?
