Scene: Keanu Reeves becomes aware of what the world is in reality: aliens harvesting humans
This scene from The Matrix is a good example of the theory of the brain in a vat. In this theory everyone in the world is actually just a collection of brains controlled by evil scientists. All of our sensory observations are made possible by electrical impulses sent to our nerve endings by the scientists. This theory appears like it could be true since we have no way of ever knowing if it is false. However, if as humans we can still communicate and enjoy life as we have all our life, then this theory doesn't really matter if it's correct or not. All of reality exists in our minds and what we perceive through our senses. If we don't know what it's like to be a brain in a vat, then why does it matter that we may actually all be brains in isolation controlled by evil scientists?
Interesting post, Eli. I like how you bring up that if a person is comfortable or unaware of being a brain, then why does it actually matter. This concept is also prominent in the Matrix, as one of the characters, Cypher, eventually betrays Neo and the other freedmen, in order to re-enter the Matrix, arguing that even if all of the experiences within the Matrix are fake, they are the only way to feel comfortable. Thus, as you noted, it doesn't actually matter if we are brains in a vat, as long as we are comfortable. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Winston. It's a creepy thought, but it doesn't really matter. Good point :)
ReplyDeleteYou three people recognizing each other is sooooooo Hegel
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